Glossary

Most terms are in Hindi unless otherwise specified.

ABCD: American-born confused desi. A term often used to refer to South Asian Americans born in the United States.

Aata, Daal: Flour, lentils.

Adrak wali chai: Ginger-flavored tea.

Bahu: Daughter-in-law.

Beta: Child, son.

Beti: Child, daughter.

Bekaar: Unemployed.

Bhabhi: Sister-in-law.

Bhaiyya: Brother.

Bhetki Fry (Bengali): Fish fry. A popular Bengali dish.

Biwi: Wife.

Mishti Bon (Bengali): Sweet person.

Chaku: Knife

Chole: Dish made from garbanzo beans.

Churi: Scalpel

Dadaji: Paternal grandfather.

Damaadji: Son-in-law.

Dadamoni (Bengali): Elder brother.

Dekho: Look, see.

Desi/desiness: Indian.

Dhaba: Roadside food stalls popular in the state of Punjab and northern India.

Dhonnabad (Bengali): Thank you.

Di: Elder sister.

Dimaag ka doctor: Head doctor

Ek aur: Another

Fida: Besotted.

Haan: Yes.

Haina: Isn’t it.

Hanuman Chalisa: Devotional song based on Lord Hanuman written by Tulsidas.

Hey Bhagwan: Oh Lord.

Jiju: Brother-in-law

Kabab mein Haddi: Bone in the meat or odd man out.

Karwa Chauth: A ritual of fasting observed by married Hindu women seeking the longevity, well-being, and prosperity of their husbands.

Kheer: Indian-style rice pudding flavored with cardamom, raisins, and a variety of nuts.

Khuddar: Someone with self-respect.

Koi Shaq: Any doubts.

Kurta pyjama: lengthy shirt, loose drawstring trousers

Lassi: Popular, refreshing, yogurt-based drink, which originated from the Punjab region.

Maaji: Mother.

Macher Jhol (Bengali): Fish curry.

Mahashay: Mister.

Mangalsutra: Sacred thread that a married woman wears around her neck.

Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi: Traditional marriage rituals conducted during a North Indian Hindu marriage ceremony. During the Mehendi ceremony, henna is applied to the bride’s hands to strengthen the bond of love in the marriage. During the Sangeet or music ceremony, the families of the bride and groom celebrate the upcoming wedding with music and dance. During the Haldi or turmeric ceremony, turmeric is applied to the bride and groom in their respective homes as part of the cleansing and beautification process.

Mem: White woman (formerly in India). A married European woman.

Meri Jaan: My life.

Naamkaran: Naming ceremony

Namaste: Customary greeting when individuals meet.

Pallu: The edge of a sari.

Panditji: Priest.

Papaji: Papa or father, ‘ji’ is added to show respect.

Parathas: Indian flat bread pan fried and usually stuffed with vegetables.

Patka: A cloth head covering worn by Sikhs.

Pav Bhaji: Bread and vegetable dish.

Pujas: Prayer ceremonies

Rajma Chawal: Curried kidney beans with rice.

Sahi: Correct, right.

Saas: Mother-in-law

Saat Phera: Seven sacred vows taken during a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony by the bride and groom.

Sher: Tiger.

Shona (Bengali): Sweetheart

Shukr hai: Thankful.

Sindoor: Red vermillion powder worn by married women along the parting of their hair.

Sooswagatam (Sanskrit): Welcome.

Sona munda (Punjabi): Handsome boy.