VOCABULARY
Hindi words:
Aloo muttar (alooo mutta): Potato (aloo) and pea (muttar) curry.
Ashanti (a-shan-tee): Not peaceful.
Auto-rickshaw (auto-rick-shaw): A three wheeled motorised bike with a roof, under which can be seated two or three passengers. Their familiar paintwork of a yellow top and green bottom can be seen all over Delhi.
Bahen (baahen): Sister.
Bahu (baahuu): Bride.
Baigan (Bay-guin): Eggplant/aubergine.
Beetel (beetel): The beetel leaf, which is chewed as a stimulant, comes from the beetel palm, sometimes containing nicotine as an additive. While chewing an orange liquid is created in the mouth. This is not to be swallowed and is spat out.
Bhabhi (bar-bi): Respectful term for eldest sons wife, used by younger siblings or brothers/sisters-in-law.
Bhaiya (bhai-ya): Respectful term for older brother.
Bhavana (bhav-na): Emotion.
Bhindi (bin-dee): Little decorative sticker worn on the forehead between the eyes.
Bhojana (bhojana): Meal.
Bhujia (bhooj-aa): Spicy, fried snack - a mixture of nuts, dried peas, and a crisp noodle-type food.
Chai (chai): Indian tea made in a pot on an element.
Dahl (dahl): Cooked lentil soup.
Dahl makkhani (dahl maa-kar-nnee): Lentils with a rich sauce - this name is commonly given to a dahl made with black lentils, which are soaked in water overnight before cooking.
Dharma (dhar-ma): Religion.
Dulha (doo-lah): Groom.
Dulhan (doo-lahn): Bride.
Dost (doast): Friend.
Dupatta (doo-par-tta): Shawl.
Gajar halwa (gar-jar hal-wah): Garjar - carrot/halwa – pudding.
Ghee (ghee): Clarified butter, it is made by simmering butter and removing the residue.
Gulab pani (goolab paanee): Rose water drink - gulab - rose and pani – water.
Haveli (ha-va-lee): Private mansions in India and Pakistan, usually with historical or architectural significance.
Hindi (hin-dee): Indian language.
Hindu (hin-doo): Indian religion.
Jarul (jar-rule): a type of flower - Flower Queen.
Ji (gee): Added to the end of a person’s title as a sign of respect.
Kamini (car-mini): Your blessings received.
Kheer (kheer): Sweet rice pudding.
Kutta (kuuta): Dog – male.
Kuttee (kuttee): Dog – female.
Maharaja (ma-ha-ra-ja): Raja means king; Maharaja is a respectful term for a king such as, ‘Your Excellency.’
Mahout (maa-haut): Elephant trainer.
Mathri (Math-ree): a crisp, flaky and buttery, biscuit shaped, salty snack
Mendhi (men-dee): Henna.
Musibata (mussee-but): Trouble.
Nai Shuruaat (naee shu-ru-aat): New beginnings.
Pagdi (pugee): Rajasthani hat.
Pani (paanee): Water.
Pinnis (pin-nees): Ping-pong ball sized sweets made with wheat flour, sugar, ghee etc.
Railgaari (rail-gaaree): Train - literal translation is rail-car.
Rahasya (ra-hay-seya): Secret.
Rajma (raj-mah): Red kidney bean soup.
Rooafzah (rooaf-zarh): Rose syrup drink.
Roti (ro-tee): Flat round bread.
Sainik (sann-neek): Soldier.
Sapana (saapna): Dream.
Sikh (Seekh): Sikhism is a religion originating from Punjab.
Smarak (sm-ar –ik): Monument.
Swalar Kameez (sal-waar-ka-meez): Pants and top suit set.
Tawa (ta-wah): Heavy black cooking utensil, similar to a frying pan with no sides.
Turban (tur-ban): Sikh men never cut their hair - subsequently their long hair is wound and bound around the long cloth then neatly tucked around the head to make the turban.
Kiwi Slang/Sayings:
La-z-boy: Deluxe armchair - with a back that reclines and a built in lever operated footrest.
Marmite: A spread for bread or crackers. Black and gooey in texture but tastes tangy and malty. Some say if you are not brought up on the taste it is unlikely you will like it.
Mullet haircut: A haircut usually on a man that is short at the sides and on the top but long at the back.
Let sleeping dogs lie: Don't bring up stories or incidents that are not worth discussing, let them be at peace.
Shotgun wedding: The couple is forced to be married as the bride is already pregnant.
Short back and sides: A haircut usually on a male that is short all over.
Stoked: I am really pleased.
The cat being let out of the bag: The secret is out.
Weetbix: Cereal wheat biscuits.
Vogels: Bread that is made with natural and healthy ingredients but must be toasted 'just right.’