Lesson 4: Modern Tamil Slang and Colloquialisms

Welcome to the final lesson of Module 2! In this lesson, we'll explore modern Tamil slang and colloquialisms. Understanding these informal expressions is crucial for navigating everyday conversations, especially with younger Tamil speakers and in urban settings. Let's dive into the vibrant world of contemporary Tamil language!

• மச்சான்

  Macchān - Literally means brother-in-law, but used to address male friends

  Usage: எப்படி இருக்க மச்சான்? (How are you, dude?)

• ஜில்லு

  Jillu - Cool, awesome

  Usage: அந்த படம் ரொம்ப ஜில்லு! (That movie was really awesome!)

• பண்ணு

  Paṇṇu - To do (informal version of செய்)

  Usage: என்ன பண்ற? (What are you doing?)

• சும்மா இரு

  Summā iru - Literally "be quiet", but used to mean "chill out" or "leave it"

  Usage: அவனை பத்தி கவலைப்படாதே, சும்மா இரு. (Don't worry about him, just chill.)

• அடிபாவம்

  Adipāvam - Expression of sympathy, similar to "poor thing"

  Usage: அடிபாவம், அவனுக்கு வேலை கிடைக்கலையா? (Oh poor thing, he didn't get the job?)

• டேய்/டி

  Ḍēy (masculine) / Ḍi (feminine) - Hey! (very informal, used among close friends)

  Usage: டேய்! எங்க போற? (Hey! Where are you going?)

• லோல்

  Lōl - LOL (Laugh Out Loud)

  Usage: In text messages or social media comments

• வெரி குட்

  Very Good - Transliteration of English "very good", often used ironically

  Usage: நீ பரீட்சையில் ஃபெயில் ஆனயா? வெரி குட்! (You failed the exam? Very good!)

• அப்டேட்

  Apḍēṭ - Update (borrowed from English)

  Usage: புது அப்டேட் என்ன? (What's the new update?)

Tamil slang can vary significantly between regions. Here are a few examples:

• மாப்ள (Chennai)

  Māpḷa - Dude, guy (similar to மச்சான்)

• லேசு (Madurai)

  Lēsu - Easy, simple

• பொடி (Coimbatore)

  Poḍi - Kid, youngster (used affectionately)