Hi friends, kiddan? If you are a Punjabi enthusiast, chances are you would be familiar with the word kiddan (ਕਿੱਦਾਂ), which means ‘how are you’ in slang. You see, it is one of those unique Punjabi words that have blurred the state border and are recognized beyond the region, in the entire country, thanks to their usage in popular media.
In this article, we will explore some unique words in Punjabi that are not spoken so commonly these days. These words are a testament to the richness and diversity of the Punjabi language and will help you gain a deeper learning of Punjabi culture and the mindset of its people.
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Let’s Learn Unique Punjabi Words
Punjabi, like many languages, has a rich tradition of wordplay, puns, and playful expressions, which add a sense of humor and help learners understand the nuances of the language and the Punjabi culture. This article is perfect for anyone who wants to add fun and uniqueness to their language skills.
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From the quirky and playful to the profound and philosophical, these words will captivate your imagination and leave you with a new appreciation for this lovely language. So, without further ado, let’s dive into quirky vocabulary used in the Punjabi culture and discover some truly unique Punjabi words!
| English Meaning | Punjabi Word | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| How are you?/ What’s up? | ਕਿੱਦਾਂ | Kiddan |
| Trouble | ਸਿਆਪਾ | Siyaapa |
| Fancy Punjabi girl | ਪਟੋਲਾ | Patola |
| Dashing, well-built Punjabi boy | ਗਬਰੂ | Gabaroo |
| An aimless ride/drive | ਗੇੜੀ | Geri |
| Idle | ਵਿਹਲਾ | Vihala |
| Itch | ਖੁਰਕ | Khuraka |
| Wait | ਉਡੀਕ | Udeeka |
| An urge | ਚੁਲ | Chul |
| Evening | ਤਰਕਾਲਾਂ | Tarakaalaan |
| Small alley | ਬੀਹ | Beeha |
| Water melon | ਹਦਵਾਣਾ | Hadavaanaa |
| Kitten | ਬਲੂੰਗਰਾ | Baloogaraa |
| Extreme cold | ਕੱਕੜ | Kakara |
| A stick | ਡੰਗੋਰੀ | Ḍagoree |
Amusing Punjabi Phrases For You
Punjabi is a language that exudes joy and is known for its unique blend of humor and warmth. Punjabi folks love to express themselves in their special way, using colorful Punjabi idioms, proverbs, and playful words. Some Punjabi slang words and phrases are so hilarious that you will die laughing once you learn in what context they are used. So, get ready for some fun, folks!
1. What Is It To Us? – Saanu Ki?
Written as saanu ki (ਸਾਨੂੰ ਕੀ), this phrase is generally spoken after hours of many gossips, indicating ‘how it doesn’t matter to us.’
2. I’ll Give You A Good Thrashing! – Main Tere Chittar Maarne!
Main tere chittar maarane (ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਚਿੱਤਰ ਮਾਰਨੇ) is a famous slang used by Punjabi moms across the globe to put their young ones in place, even after they’ve grown up into adults. The word chittar literally means a shoe or a slipper. Another variation used by Punjabi moms is: Chittar na khaa jaai which translates to “beware or you’ll have it!”
3. Leave It/ Let It Be – Khair Chaddo Hun Mitti Pao!
Ḵẖair chhaḍo huṇ mitti pao (ਖ਼ੈਰ ਛੱਡੋ ਹੁਣ ਮਿੱਟੀ ਪਾਓ) has a similar context as saanu ki, though it is often spoken to conclude a meaningless discussion. For instance, when the older generation criticizes the younger ones for having a different lifestyle than theirs, which is something beyond their control. So, they crib about it and end it with these words.
4. What Trouble Did (You) Cause! – Ki Raula Paya Ne!
Ki raula paya ne (ਕੀ ਰੌਲਾ ਪਾਇਆ ਨੇ) is often told to someone who behaves messy, or makes a lot of noise, creates trouble, or whines a lot. The meaning of the word raula is noise or trouble. Another way to say the same thing is raula pay gaya, meaning ‘shit has hit the roof.’
5. I Offered You A Little Help – Main Tey Ungali Pharai Si
The complete sentence is Main te ungali pharai si tu te pauncha hi phar lita (ਮੈਂ ਤੇ ਉਂਗਲੀ ਫੜਾਈ ਸੀ ਤੂੰ ਤੇ ਪੌਂਚੇ ਹੀ ਫੜ ਲੀਤਾ). It means, ‘I had offered you my finger, but you grabbed my sleeve.’ The implication is that I offered you a little help, but you crossed the boundary and demanded more. The context is when someone tries to take undue advantage of your goodness.
6. Do You Have Buttons Instead Of Eyes? – Aankhaan Ne Ke Tich Button?
This one is my favorite that I regularly use to chid my sister! Akhaan ne ke ṭich button (ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨੇ ਕੇ ਟਿਚ ਬਟਨ) is a humorous way to tell someone to get their eyes checked when they are not able to spot something kept right before their eyes. Aankhaan means eyes, and tich buttons are tiny, brass snap buttons.
7. Get Lost/ Go, Take A Walk – Dur Phitey Muh
ਦੂਰ ਫਿਟੇ ਮੂੰਹ is pronounced as Dur phiṭey muh. This famous slang means ‘get lost, you idiot.’ The word Dur is a slang way of saying ‘far.’ People say it to someone when annoyed or slightly offended.
8. Go Away – Chal Hatt Pare
Chal hatt pare (ਚਲ ਹਟ ਪਰੇ) is the ultimate answer to someone’s continuous blabbering. Dole it out to someone who just can’t stop irritating you with their nonstop chatter, or quit being annoying. This is the ultimate expression to shoo away someone.
9. Take A Chill Pill – Thand Rakh Yaar
This simple phrase, Ṭhanḍa rakh yaara (ਠੰਡ ਰੱਖ ਯਾਰ), is used to calm down someone or tell them to take a chill pill. In this context, the meaning of the word Thand is chill, while Yaar is the slang for the word dude.
10. What’s Up? – Hor Ki Chalda?
Hor ki chalda (ਹੋਰ ਕੀ ਚਲਦਾ) is a very common sentence, meaning what’s up. It is a conversation starter, just like the term kiddan.
How Do You Say Unique In Punjabi?
In Punjabi, the word “unique” can be translated as anokha (ਅਨੋਖਾ). It is pronounced as a-no-kha.
FAQs About Unique Punjabi Words
Why Is Punjabi Language Unique?
Punjabi is unique for its tonal nature, with meaning changes based on pitch, rare among Indo-Aryan languages. It’s written in two scripts: Gurmukhi in India and Shahmukhi in Pakistan. Punjabi also has a rich tradition of poetry, music, and vibrant cultural expressions like Bhangra and Gidda.
What Is Unique About Punjabi Culture?
Punjabi culture is renowned for its vibrant music, dance, and cuisine. Known as the “Land of Five Rivers,” Punjab has a rich history and a distinct cultural identity. The region’s vibrant festivals, such as Baisakhi and Lohri, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Punjabi cuisine is famous for its bold flavors and hearty dishes like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, and naan – the most popular Indian bread.
What Are The Old Forgotten Punjabi Words?
Here are a few examples of old Punjabi words that might be considered less common today:
- Charkha: This word refers to a spinning wheel, a device that was once widely used for making textiles.
- Baan: This word means “arrow,” a weapon that was used in traditional archery.
- Gharh: This word means “fort,” a fortified structure that was once a common feature of Punjabi villages.
- Jidara: The word means “lock.”
- Puran: This word means “mythology,” referring to ancient stories and legends.
However, please note that these words may still be used in certain dialects or regions of Punjab, or they might appear in older Punjabi literature.
Have Fun Exploring Punjabi With Ling!
Did you enjoy learning these amusing, quirky sentences in a new language? Comment below to let us know!
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