Our Kannada is a Dravidian language spoken by about 45 million people in the Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. It is also one of the official languages of India. Kannada has a rich and diverse vocabulary, which includes many slang words that are used in informal and casual conversations. Here are some of the most common and popular slang words in Kannada and their meanings:
Magane (ಮಗನೆ): This word literally means “son”, but it is used as a term of address or affection for a male friend or acquaintance. It can also be used sarcastically or mockingly to tease someone. For example, “Magane, ninna bike yaavdu?”
Sakkath (ಸಕ್ಕತ್): This word means “very good” or “excellent”. It is used to express admiration or appreciation for something or someone. It can also be used as an interjection to show excitement or enthusiasm. For example, “Sakkath movie idu!”
Chindi (ಚಿಂದಿ): This word means “cheap” or “stingy”. It is used to describe someone who is miserly or greedy, or something that is of low quality or value. It can also be used as an insult or a curse. For example, “Neevu chindi guru!”
Gubbi (ಗುಬ್ಬಿ): This word means “bird”, but it is used as a slang term for a girl or a woman. It is usually used in a playful or flirtatious way, but it can also be offensive or derogatory depending on the context and tone. For example, “Gubbi nodu, chennagide!”
Beka (ಬೇಕ): This word means “want” or “need”. It is used to express desire or demand for something or someone. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate what one wants or needs. For example, “Coffee beka?” (Do you want coffee?), “Money beka?”
Maga (ಮಗ): This word literally means “son”, but it is used as a term of address or respect for a male friend or acquaintance. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate one’s relationship with someone. For example, “Raj maga” (Raj’s son), “Guru maga”
Loafer (ಲೋಫರ್): This word means “lazy” or “idle”. It is used to describe someone who does not work hard or does not have any ambition or purpose in life. It can also be used as an insult or a curse. For example, “Neevu loafer guru!”
Macha (ಮಚ್ಚ): This word means “brother-in-law”, but it is used as a term of address or friendship for a male friend or acquaintance. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate one’s relationship with someone. For example, “Raj macha” (Raj’s brother-in-law), “Guru macha”
Bindaas (ಬಿಂದಾಸ್): This word means “cool” or “carefree”. It is used to describe someone who is confident or relaxed, or something that is easy or enjoyable. It can also be used as an interjection to show approval or encouragement. For example, “Bindaas maadi!”
Chamak (ಚಮಕ್): This word means “shine” or “sparkle”. It is used to describe someone who is attractive or stylish, or something that is bright or flashy. It can also be used as an interjection to show admiration or awe. For example, “Chamak nodu!”
Guru (ಗುರು): This word means “teacher” or “master”, but it is used as a term of address or respect for a male friend or acquaintance. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate one’s relationship with someone. For example, “Raj guru”, “Guru guru”
Chamcha (ಚಮ್ಚ): This word means “spoon”, but it is used as a slang term for a sycophant or a flatterer. It is used to describe someone who is servile or obsequious, or who praises someone excessively or insincerely. It can also be used as an insult or a curse. For example, “Neevu chamcha guru!”
Beda (ಬೇಡ): This word means “don’t want” or “don’t need”. It is used to express refusal or rejection of something or someone. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate what one does not want or need. For example, “Coffee beda?” (Don’t you want coffee?), “Money beda?”
Khaali (ಖಾಲಿ): This word means “empty” or “vacant”. It is used to describe something that is devoid of substance or value, or someone who is dull or stupid. It can also be used as an insult or a curse. For example, “Neevu khaali guru!”
Bombe (ಬೊಂಬೆ): This word means “doll”, but it is used as a slang term for a girl or a woman who is very beautiful or attractive. It is usually used in a complimentary or admiring way, but it can also be offensive or derogatory depending on the context and tone. For example, “Bombe nodu, chennagide!”
Hawa (ಹವ): This word means “air” or “wind”, but it is used as a slang term for a rumor or a gossip. It is used to describe something that is not true or reliable, or something that spreads quickly and widely. It can also be used as an interjection to show disbelief or surprise. For example, “Hawa idu!”
Anna (ಅಣ್ಣ): This word means “elder brother”, but it is used as a term of address or respect for a male friend or acquaintance who is older than oneself. It can also be used as a suffix to form compound words that indicate one’s relationship with someone. For example, “Raj anna” (Raj’s elder brother), “Guru anna”
Chindi Chitranna (ಚಿಂದಿ ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ): This phrase literally means “cheap lemon rice”, but it is used as a slang term for something that is very easy or simple. It is used to describe something that does not require much effort or skill, or something that anyone can do. For example, “Ninna exam chindi chitranna idya?”
Dabba (ದಬ್ಬ): This word means “box” or “container”, but it is used as a slang term for something that is useless or worthless. It is used to describe something that does not work properly or efficiently, or something that has no purpose or function. It can also be used as an insult or a curse. For example, “Neevu dabba guru!”
Kai (ಕೈ): This word means “hand”, but it is used as a slang term for a bribe or a tip. It is used to describe something that is given or received as a favor or a reward, or something that influences or persuades someone. For example, “Neevu kai kottidya?”
This list keeps growing . Which is your favorite slang , do share your slang
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