Tamil slang words are the informal, light-hearted, and occasionally cheeky expressions used in daily life.
which is essential if you’re genuinely interested in learning the language.
Tamil slang words capture the essence of how actual people talk, whether in casual conversations or on social media.
We’ll look at some of the most popular and widely used Tamil slang words in this blog, which every passionate learners should be familiar with.
Are you prepared to talk like a real Thamizhan? Let’s begin!
Table of Contents

Most Popular Tamil Slangs From Movies
Many Tamil Actors , highlighted numerous Tamil slang words. All thanks to Tamil film music, you can find that Tamil Kollywood songs are also an excellent way to get a hold of trending slang. To help you get started, here are some movie-inspired Tamil slang words.
Tamil | Roman Transcription | Meaning | Sound |
---|---|---|---|
மச்சான் | Machan | Casual way to address friend | மச்சான் |
கொலவெறி | Kolaveri | Intense anger or strong emotion | கொலவெறி |
சீன் போடாத | Scene podatha | Showing off | சீன் போடாத |
ஹையோ | Haiyoo | Oh no! or Oops! | ஹையோ |
மாஸ் | Mass | Bold or impressive | மாஸ் |
List Of Tamil Slangs
Let’s look at some examples in related phrases, taking note of the meaning behind the words and phrases:
Tamil | Roman Transcription | Meaning | Sound |
---|---|---|---|
கஸ்மாலம் | Kasmalam | dirty or filthy | கஸ்மாலம் |
மொக்க போடாத | Mokka podatha | Someone who cracks bad jokes | மொக்க போடாத |
ஆட்டை | Aattai | Steal something | ஆட்டை |
சுமார் | Sumaar | The average or not an interested | சுமார் |
கெத்து | Gethu | Strength/super or fantastic | கெத்து |
செம்ம | Semma | Great/Awesome | செம்ம |
பீட்டர் | Peter language | show off or with a fake western accent | பீட்டர் |
போங்கு | Bongu | Cheat or someone who cheats | போங்கு |
பிஸ்தா | Pistha | Someone who is a big deal | பிஸ்தா |
கடலை போட்றது | Kadalai podrathu | Flirting with someone | கடலை போட்றது |
அபேஸ் ஆகுறது | Abes agaradhu | Escape from a complicated situation | அபேஸ் ஆகுறது |
ஷப்பா | Shabba | Someone boring or tried to ignoring | ஷப்பா |
கலக்கறது | Kallakaradhu | To be very good at something | கலக்கறது |
ஆப்பு | Dabaikarathu | Trouble or Mess up | ஆப்பு |
பல்பு | Bulpu | To become a fool | பல்பு |
கில்லாடி | Killadi | Someone brilliant | கில்லாடி |
ஜூஜூபி | Jujube | Easy to do | ஜூஜூபி |
கொய்யால | Goyola/Goyya | Dumb or stupid | கொய்யால |
சப்ப | Sappa | Not interesting or Easy job to do | சப்ப |
வெட்டி ஆபிசர் | Vetti aapisar | Useless or someone having nothing to do | வெட்டி ஆபிசர் |
அப்பாடி | Appaadi | Thank Goodness | அப்பாடி |
ப்ரீயா விடு | Free a vidu | Let it go. | ப்ரீயா விடு |
சொதப்பல் | Sothappal | Failure | சொதப்பல் |
ஆத்தாடி | Aathaadi | Oh my lady | ஆத்தாடி |
துட்டு | Dhudhu | Money | துட்டு |
Tips To Use Tamil Slang Words
Tamil slang is very situational. A term that is used informally with friends might not be appropriate in formal contexts. Recognise when and where to use slang.
Watch reels, local interviews, YouTube vlogs, or Tamil films. This enables you to comprehend the natural usage of slang in conversations.
Tone of voice has a big influence on slang. If you say it incorrectly, it can sound awkward or change its meaning. When practicing, mimic native intonation.
Try using simple slang with your friends who speak Tamil. When necessary, they will correct you and offer guidance.
Depending on the location and situation, some slang terms can be impolite or disrespectful. If in doubt, ask a native or skip it.
However It helps to build easy conversations and express their feelings with a mild humor. Don’t include it in every sentence.
Slang should be used occasionally and informally, just like a native would.
How Do You Say Slang In Tamil?
In Tamil, you can refer slang as ‘Pechu vazhaku’ (பேச்சு வழக்கு).
Frequently Asked Questions For Tamil Slang Words
How Do You Say Alright In Tamil Slang?
In Tamil Slang, You can say Alright as rightra (ரைட்ரா) which means ‘its fine’ with a humour touch.
What Is The Tamil Slang For Dude?
In Tamil Slang, Dude reffered as ‘Machi’ (மச்சி). It is a causal way to refer your close friend.
What Is The Meaning Of Dei In Tamil Slang?
‘Dei‘(டேய்) is a informal way of addressing someone. It is similar to say ‘hey’ in english.
Wrapping Up Machi!
Tamil slang words are best used in informal settings, where it’s appropriate to speak in a more relaxed and casual manner.
For example, you might use some simple slang when chatting with friends or Tamil family or engaging in online conversations on social media platforms.
So, whether you’re trying to have a more relaxed conversation or build stronger relationships with Tamil speakers, Tamil slang words can be a great tool in your language arsenal.
Your Passion, Your Words: Make Tamil A Daily Habit
Learning slang is an important part of mastering any language, as it provides insight into the culture and everyday life of its speakers.
Ling’s approach to teaching Tamil slang words is engaging and fun. It will help you to present yourself as a local.
In this blog, you’ll discover trending Tamil slang words with their meaning, along with when and reasons to use them.
Interactive exercises that help you master the nuances of colloquial Tamil.
So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and engaging way to learn Tamil, Ling is definitely worth a try.
Ling is a great resource to consider. It offers a comprehensive and engaging language learning experience that caters to all levels of proficiency.
With Ling, you’ll have access to a wide range of resources, including lessons, exercises, quizzes, and more.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t waste any more time! Download the Ling app today and start learning!