Want to learn a couple of slang words in Bengali? If you’re here, I’m sure you do. That’s why in this article, I will share with you some words that are commonly used every day in Bengali slang. To your surprise, the Bengali spoken in West Bengal, Kolkata, and many other places reflects plenty of cultural differences. However, the language is also very colorful and often humorous when it comes to slang.
These are not just random words with different meanings—they offer insight into the humor, wit, and emotions of Bengali people. So, if you want to talk like a native, let’s explore ten everyday Bengali slang words that will shake up your funny bone.
Table Of Contents
10 Bengali Slang Words
It is really interesting how slang is a fundamental part of any language because it adds humor and emotions to it.
Here are ten Bengali slang words that are commonly used in daily conversation:
1. Are You Crazy – Pagol Na Matha Kharap? (পাগল না মাথা খারাপ?)
This Bengali slang word carries a humorous tone and is not meant to be taken seriously but rather as a rhetorical question. It is mainly used between friends or those who know each other well if one has done something that surprises the other.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m having 3 biryanis, and you’re eating 5? Are you crazy? | আমি ৩টা বিরিয়ানি খাবো, তুমি ৫টা খাচ্ছো? পাগল না মাথা খারাপ? | Ami 3 ta biryani khabo, tumi 5 ta khachcho? Pagol na matha kharap? |
2. Torn Apart – Fata Fati (ফাটাফাটি)
This term expresses that something is awesome or great. Although its direct meaning is ‘torn apart,’ it is often used positively and enthusiastically. It can also mean praise or describe something that leaves a powerful impression.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| That concert was absolutely awesome! | সেই কনসার্টটা ফাটাফাটি ছিলো! | Sei concert ta fata fati chhilo! |
3. Umbrella Head – Chhatar Matha (ছাতার মাথা)
This Bengali slang word is commonly used to refer to a person who always escapes or prefers not to deal with issues or to ‘duck’ them. The expression has a humorous slant, indicating that the head of the person in question offers them protection in the shape of an umbrella from responsibility or adversity. It can also mean a person who is always in the middle of things without getting his or her hands dirty or taking any ownership of it.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Oh dear, you’ve become such an umbrella head! | আরে বাবা, তুমি একদম ছাতার মাথা হয়ে গেছো! | Are baba, tumi ekdom chhatar matha hoye gecho! |
4. Know-It-All – Pond Paka (পন্ড পাকা)
This term describes someone who acts like a know-it-all. It is usually used to refer to a person who is arrogant or condescending about something they know or think they know when in fact, they may not.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| You’ve become such a know-it-all! Learn a few things first. | তুই একদম পন্ড পাকা হয়ে গেছিস! কিছু শিখে নে আগে। | Tui ekdom pond paka hoyechhish! Kichhu shikhe ne age. |
5. Frog’s Head – Baing Er Matha (ব্যাঙের মাথা)
This Bengali slang word suggests that the person is rigid or cannot take another person’s advice, just as a frog will not hop off its position waiting for a food insect to come closer. It can be used in a joking manner or rhetorically when a person becomes stiff-necked and unwilling to accept the other’s point of view or change his/her mind.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t make a fuss out of everything! | সব কিছু নিয়ে ব্যাঙের মাথা বানাবি না! | Shab kichhu niye baing er matha banabi na! |
6. Oh My God! – Uri Baba! (উরি বাবা!)
This term is similar to the English expression ‘Oh my God!’ It is used when someone is surprised, astonished, or even cannot believe something. It is most commonly used when something surprising, shocking, or impressive occurs. It is used not only in informal conversations but also in other critical situations.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Oh my God! Such a big fish! | উরি বাবা! এতো বড়ো মাছ! | Uri baba! Eto boro maachh! |
7. Over- Smart – Paka (পাকা)
This slang term literally describes a person who is over-smart or overbearing in a way that is not liked. It refers to a person who has an attitude of a know-it-all or a conceited person, especially given his age or experience. A young person trying to act overly mature or knowledgeable might be called Paka.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| You’ve become so over-smart! | তুই একদম পাকা হয়ে গেছিস! | Tui ekdom paka hoye gechhish! |
8. Fantastic / Stylish / Impressive – Ghyama (ঘ্যামা)
Ghyama (ঘ্যামা) is a slang used in the Bengali language to express something or someone is fantastic, stylish, or impressive. It is often used to pay someone or something a compliment in Bengali, especially when one or the other positively attracts attention. It is used most commonly in casual settings to express enthusiasm or cheer about something popular or ‘hip.’
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Your new shoes look fantastic! | তোর নতুন জুতো ঘ্যামা লাগছে! | Tor notun juto ghyama lagche! |
9. Knowledgeable – Gyaani (জ্ঞানী)
Gyaani (জ্ঞানী) describes a well-educated or profoundly knowledgeable person. It is mostly said positively, but may also be used ironically or jokingly if the person being addressed is thought to be arrogant or a know-it-all.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Oh, Mr. Genius, your advice is indispensable, isn’t it? | আর জ্ঞানী, তোর অ্যাডভাইস না দিলে চলছে না। | Are gyaani, tor advice na dile cholchhe na. |
10. Don’t Worry – Tension Niyo Na (টেনশন নিও না)
It is a Bengali slang word typically used when people tend to be overly worried, or their brains get overwhelmed by a particular issue. People use this word with their friends, relatives, or anyone they know to reassure them or to tell them not to stress too much about something.
Example:
| English | Bengali | Pronounciation |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t worry, everything will be fine. | তুই টেনশন নিও না, সব ঠিক হবে। | Tui tension niyo na, shob thik hobe. |
Tips For Using Bengali Slang
Learning Bengali slang words is a great way to expand and diversify your Bengali vocabulary and build relationships with native speakers. However, you need to be careful, as using slang incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings or even offend someone.
- Understand the Context: Some Bengali words are funny to pronounce, but they can have a bad meaning, so be careful in order to avoid using them incorrectly.
- Learn from Native Speakers: The best way to understand the tone and emotion of the words is to talk to Bengali friends so you can understand how to use them properly.
- Practice makes perfect. Applications like the Ling app can help you practice and familiarize yourself with Bengali vocabulary and culture so that you can use slang words and other phrases with ease.
How Do You Say “Slang” In Bengali?
In Bengali, the term “slang” is called অপবাদ (Apababad), pronounced as apa-babad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bengali Slang Words
1. What Are The Slangs Used In Kolkata?
In Kolkata, popular slang words include “hebby,” which means “awesome,” “Ami toh bindaas,” which translates to “I’m carefree,” and “Jhol,” which refers to a mess or chaos and is commonly used in casual conversations.
2. What Is The Meaning Of Paka Buri?
The literal meaning is “ripe old woman.” It’s used humorously or sarcastically to describe an older woman who is perceived as overly wise, sometimes exaggeratedly or annoyingly. It implies that the person is overly experienced or knows everything.
3. Do Older People Use Slang Words In Bengali?
Yes, older people in Bengali-speaking communities do use Bengali slang words, although it tends to vary depending on the individual and their generation. Older generations often have their own set of slang or colloquial expressions that may be different from what younger people use. These slang words are typically influenced by the socio-cultural environment of their time and may include terms that were popular in their youth or have evolved over the years.
Wrapping Up
Bengali slang words such as chhatar matha and hebby are expressions that add a fun and expressive touch to everyday conversations. They reflect the Bengali culture, humor, and wit of Bengali-speaking people. As you continue to learn and use these Bengali slang words, remember to pay attention to the context and tone to avoid misunderstandings.
Happy learning!
