What are Some Examples of English Words Coined and Used by Indians That Might Confound Americans and Brits?

It’s a quirk of global linguistic evolution that the Indo-English language, a blend of English and Indian vernaculars, has given rise to words and phrases that can be confusing for speakers of 'pure' English. This is particularly true for Americans and Brits who might encounter Indian coinages and phrases in a variety of contexts, from everyday speech to formal written communication. This article explores some of these interesting and unique English words coined and used by Indians, providing insight into the rich tapestry of our multicultural lexicon.

Britisher: A word beyond the Empire

While the British proudly call themselves British, Indians have taken this term a step further, appending the suffix -er to create Britisher. This playful addition has led to some amusing exchanges. When Indians use Britisher, they might often be referring to the tea beverage, the more colloquial variant of chai tea, and even the chai tea latte. The term naan bread is another example, where Indians have retained the term rather than opting for flatbread or bread oval, much to the amusement of British ears.

Colonial Legacy and Vernacular Creations

Our colonial past has left an indelible mark on the English language in India. Many terms and phrases that were originally British in origin have been preserved and localized, adding layers of meaning and color to our linguistic tapestry. Here are some notable examples:

Thrible

While "thrible" is an authentic term in British English, its use in India often confounds those from the United Kingdom. In both contexts, "thrible" is a playful adaptation of the word "triple," but its presence in Indian English is particularly endearing. In colonial times, "thrible" could also refer to a triple bed, which was a common sight in British military quarters and Indian households alike.

Bonnet vs. Hood

A bonnet, in the British tradition, refers to the part of a car that opens to access the engine; the Indian term for this is hood. This term is also used in British English, but here it refers to the head covering worn by women on formal occasions. Therefore, confusion can arise when Indians refer to a car part as a bonnet, while British speakers might expect to hear hood.

Dickie vs. Boot

In British English, a dickie refers to the storage space in a car created by folding the back seats down. Indians use this term for such storage space, which the British refer to as boot. This variant is particularly useful in old Indian cars, which often featured unique storage solutions, making the term a delightful reminder of our shared British heritage.

Measurements and Currency

The Indian influence in terms of measurements and currency is evident in our eclectic language. Here are a few examples:

Centum and Paisa

Centum is a traditional Indian term meaning "hundred." In colonial times, it was often used to refer to hundred yards of cloth, a common unit of measurement in the textile trade. Post-2011, the term centum is rarely used due to the demonetization of old currency. Paisa is the smallest denomination of currency in India, often used in financial transactions and everyday speech. Before 2011, 50 paisa coins were the smallest available coinage, with lower denominations being demonetized.

Train vs. Locomotive

While train is a common word for a moving rail vehicle in most English-speaking countries, Indians call the engine of a train a locomotive. This term is also used in British English, making it a familiar term for Indian speakers. Thus, the confusion arises when British listeners hear locals refer to the engine as a locomotive rather than a train.

Social and Legal Terminology

Our language is also influenced by social and legal contexts:

Tiffin and Native

Tiffin refers to a small meal, a term primarily used in the Indian context. The exact term for this meal can vary, but in British English, it is often used in a nostalgic or informal setting. Additionally, native place is a term used to refer to the town or area where one was born, which is similar to hometown in British English. However, the term native alone can also mean an indigenous person, leading to potential confusion.

Issue and Sire

Issue in British English typically means to issue something, like a document or permission. In Indian English, however, it can also mean children. This usage is archaic but still common, especially in legal contexts. Similarly, sire and siring are archaic terms for father or fathering, used in formal or legal contexts where genealogical records are important.

Reasons and Terms Related to Daily Life

Our daily lives are enriched by these unique terms:

Signal and Circle

Signal in Indian English is a short form of traffic signal or stop light. This term is widely understood but can be amusing to those unfamiliar with it. Circle is also a term used to refer to a roundabout in urban areas, which is technically a roundabout but often used informally as a description of the area around it.

Monsoon

Monsoon is the term we use to describe the period after summer, characterized by heavy and relentless rains in tropical regions. This is a term that is used globally but has a unique significance in the Indian context, involving cultural, agricultural, and daily life aspects.

Loose Motion and Toilet

Indian English has a unique way of referring to diarrhea. Loose motion is a common term used to describe this condition. Similarly, in a medical context, the word motions can refer to excretions. The term toilet is also used to describe separate rooms for bathing and using the toilet. This distinction can be amusing or confusing for non-Indians.

Cultural Terms

Our language is also peppered with cultural terms that are unique to Indian English:

Darshini and Auto

Darshini is a Bangalore-specific term for a small restaurant without seating, typically offering breakfast and tiffin items. The word auto is a term for a metered taxi used in India, distinct from the British cab or the American taxi.

Conclusion

The evolution of the English language in India is a fascinating journey that reflects our cultural, social, and historical roots. The words and phrases we use, while confusing to outsiders, are cherished and essential for our daily communication. As we continue to build on this rich linguistic heritage, these unique terms will no doubt continue to captivate and entertain users of the English language worldwide.