‘Lai Bhari’, ‘Kadakk’, ‘Maaz’; felt like you’re in Pune already? Nothing beats the local lingo of Pune when it comes to dry humour laced with sarcasm.
You cannot become a Punekar cause you are born one. Punekars are majorly known for their ‘Maaz’ (Pride)…it’s innate. One cannot develop it. Short Temper and Exceedingly obsessive pride about Pune, are a few common traits of a true Punekar.
Below are a few Puneri phrases that you need to know, in case you’re new in town to avoid major FOMO.
1. Barrr
It is a humble way of telling your friend to keep his/her mouth shut by simply saying barrr. Next time you need someone to stop rambling or even bragging about things that you know aren’t true, just say barrr.
Example –
Person 1 – “Arey you know what?? Blah blah blah blah…..”
Punekar – Barrr
2. Hawaa
“Kasli Hawaaa” is a Puneri version of saying “what a show-off”. So now you know what to say when your friend buys the latest iPhone or goes to Starbucks and keeps talking about it.
Example – “He finally went out on a date with her…ata hawaa kartoy” (now he is showing off)
3. Lai Bhari –
‘Simply Awesome’, is the literal meaning of Lai Bhari. A famous Marathi movie also gets its name from this favourite slang. If you ever want to compliment a true blue Punekar, just use Lai Bhari and you’re good to go!
Example – “Lai bhari distoys aaj” (You are looking awesome today)
4. TTMM –
It is a super common term amongst Punekars. ‘Tujha Tu Majha Mi’ means you pay yours, I’ll pay mine. It is the most used phrase by college-goers as college students are almost always broke.
Example –
Person 1 – “Let’s go to a cafe post-college”
Person 2 – “Sure, but on one condition…TTMM”
5. Dokyala Shot –
It is used to describe a person or event you don’t like or find super irritating! Don’t like the guy your bestie is dating? Don’t like your boss? Just say dokyala shot
Example –
Boss calling on the weekend*
“Kay dokyala shot ahe bey” (He is so irritating)
6. Vaadhiv –
Just one Puneri word for so many English equivalents! Superb, amazing, awesome, great; all of these words are used to convey the same emotion, awesomeness i.e Vaadhiv
Example – “Vaadhiv chaha ahe!!” (Tea is awesome)
7. Matter Zalay –
Meaning someone is in trouble or there is a big problem. Got caught during exams while copying? This situation is exactly where you can use “matter zalay”.
Example – “matter zalay…aai la mazya bag madhe lighter sampla!!”
(My mom found a lighter in my bag…I am screwed)
8. Aawraa –
Aawraa is used when someone you’re talking to is exaggerating something or is hard to believe. Although exaggerations are a part of daily Punekari lingo, you’ll hear aawraaa being said by every other Punekar.
Example –
Person 1 – I met SRK today!!!
Punekar – Aawraaaa
9. Dokyat jau nakos –
This phrase is used when someone irritates the sh*t out of you. And being a Punekar, how can you let it slide? Dokyat jau nakos is an easy way to tell someone to stop irritating you.
Example –
Person 1 keeps pinching you*
Punekar – “Dokyat jau nakos rey” (stop irritating dude)
10. Aai chi jay –
This exclamation literally means Hail Oh Mother! An expression to display the emotion of shock or surprise.
Example –
Person 1 – “Bhawa me abhyas na karta pass zalo” (Bro I got good marks without studying)
Punekar – Aai chi jay!!!
Above are just a few of the majorly known lingos that Punekars use. Puneri Lingo is a bit difficult to understand for outsiders but give yourself some time you will surely get used to it.
Someone who is new in Pune city may feel completely lost because Pune is a city like that. Finding perfect accommodation can be a TASK in this small yet confusing city. I was staying in my college hostel but once I got done with my graduation I had to find a new place to live. I spent almost 2 months looking here and there…from one broker to another…from one local PG to another local hostel… It was all hectic. But then finally I found my comfy and cozy home through this website named GetSetHome.com. Thank me later 😉
