LOCAL SLANG

Four RAZZ writers share local slang from their home, what they mean and what they love about them.

Barr—(pronounced: b-ah-rr) is a word with roots in the Marathi language. This slang is often heard in the region of Maharashtra, prominently in Pune. The meaning is quite simple; it translates to ‘okay.’ However, the connotation with which this is used changes, adapting to the context of the situation. For example, Barr is used curtly and the ‘r’ is dragged if you are tired of formulating a response, accompanied with a head nod. It is also used with a roll of an eye, an effective way to end a boring conversation. So, next time you are in Pune, you know what to say!

Sanjana Zunjur

I never enjoyed speaking German during school (fumbling my way through the conjunctive moods, tripping over the many compound nouns), yet since moving to the UK for university (and having no one to talk German to except one of my flat mates – who refuses to before at least two gin lemonades) I have gained a newfound appreciation in the little quirks that the language brings. Some of my favourite expressions are:

Alles gut/ alles gechillt leute – all is well/ nothing to worry about

Useful for when you have a group project due in 24 hours that you should have started a month ago, but there is clearly nothing to worry about.

Ach/ achso – oh/ oh I see

A lovely filler word that can be used to express understanding, confusion, quiet acceptance, or utter disappointment (I’m proud to say some of my friends in Exeter have adopted this expression).

Schnief – a little sniffle

A phrase for when your crush makes out with someone else in the club and life isn’t going too well.

Bruder/ alter – brother/ bro

This saying is usually accompanied with a bro handshake-tohug situation.

Dezent unpraktisch – subtly impractical

This is for use in situations which are more than just a little bit impractical. Such as your car crashing your car into a wall, or a clubbing night ending with a trip to A&E.

Sara Silvester

The city of Mumbai - famously known as Aamchi Mumbai – is a confluence of cultures, food, and topographic beauty and within it, the seafront promenade Marine Drive is a must-visit attraction. When you are sitting there, letting the cool breeze of the sea hit your face, you will see Mumbaikars in a banter with snacks in their hands and hear them calling out, “Arey Yaar!” This simply means “Oh! Mate”, although the connotations differ from time to time. For instance, if someone is frustrated, they will say “Arey yaar” for “Are you kidding me?” This typical bambaiyaa (Bombay) slang is easily slipped into many conversations, so much so that when Mumbaikars travel abroad the “arey yaar” never leaves their system.

Shrika Ajit Palakaden

‘Yaar’ – This is a popular word in India that literally translates to ‘friend’ or ‘buddy’ in English. Friends often use it to address each other in a very informal and casual manner. It is often paired with words like ‘arey’ (roughly translates to ‘hey!’) and is not restricted to just friends. Apart from being a way of addressing people, ‘yaar’ is a word that recurs in many Bollywood songs about friendship (my favourite ones being ‘Tera Yaar Hoon Main’, ‘Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan’ and ‘Yaaron’). While it has a strong connotation of the special bond one feels with their friends, it can also be used for a romantic implication (example – ‘Tere Sang Yaara’ and ‘Tu Hi Yaar Mera’). I love using ‘yaar’ with my friends especially because I can use it to convey different emotions depending on the tone in which I say it or the typography and emojis used with it. It can be thought of as equivalent to the British or Australian ‘mate’, but for me, nothing can replace the feeling of saying ‘yaar’.

Swarnim Agrawal