
It’s a 6.5 minute read.
Are You A Foreigner?
If you are a foreigner and if you happen to visit India and your stay is likely to be more than 2 weeks, it is better that you know and understand what I am going to tell now.
“Welcom Turist. We Spik Inglish.”
India Is Said To Be The Second Largest English Speaking Country In The World
There are more users of English in India than in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand & South Africa combined!
You will be surprised to know that there are 22 official languages spoken in India. Most of the Indians can speak more than 3 to 4 languages apart from English.
Another interesting fact is that English is the official language of the Government.
Strangely, English is the only language through which people from different parts of this vast country are able to communicate and understand each other. In other words, the English language bonds people; thus English has an unique role in India!
On A Lighter Note, India Is A Country Divided By Local Languages And United By A Foreign Language
English-speaking people from other countries will be surprised to learn that Indian English is expressed in a different (funny) way.
What Is The Problem My Friend?
People tend to use English just to show off that they belong to the modern version of their parents. The psychology is that those who speak English are superior to rest of citizens who can’t speak English.
Another problem is that Indians first think in their mother tongue about what they are supposed to tell and then translate into English.
Changing the code quickly between Hindi & English during conversations results in what is known as, ‘Hinglish’.
This brought out a peculiar Indianism.
The Oxford Dictionary of English has more than 900 items addressed as ‘distinctive to Indian English’ and more & more items are getting added periodically.
There are innumerable examples and I can mention a few; which I remembered because they are too common.
What are you waiting for? Take a look.
Indianism
1. No By Two… Or One By Two
It’s a funny phrase typically used in India. No other country in the world uses this phrase to my knowledge.
This phrase is typically heard at tea/coffee/soup/juice shops. What does this phrase convey?
One By Two:
A person telling the shop owner, “Give us ‘one by two’ coffee.”
Here the item (cup of coffee) is divided into two roughly equal portions for sharing and invariably the shop owner has to provide an extra cup without charging.
Now the two friends can share the cup of coffee equally between themselves and paying only for one cup.
No By Two:
Here the shop owner (by displaying a notice as shown in the photo above) makes it clear that the sharing of one cup of coffee/juice is not allowed; neither he is willing to give an extra empty cup or glass.
2. Confusion Galore Between Meaning & Spelling

A never-ending search for the WAREHOUSE…
3. What Is Your Good Name?
“Majority of people prefer a good name to a bad name, but to me, anyone can call me anything, as long as it is not written on my face.”
As if there are some bad-named creatures and one wishes to know the hidden evil names…
It simply means what is your name?
Don’t you know that parents give a lovely name to their children all the time?
It’s literal translation of Hindi saying “Aapka shubh naam.”
4. Out Of Station

“My friend, to be on the safe side, I am informing you in advance regarding my inability to attend your function since I am out of station.”
As if the person is waiting outside the railway station indefinitely and is sort of holding a secret.
Why can’t you simply say “I am not here” or “I am in so and so city”?
5. Slowly Slowly
A Husband is talking to his wife about their one year old child… “Slowly slowly he will start talking & walking,” or “I slowly slowly adopted the environment in the factory.”
Just say ‘slowly’ once; that is enough.
6. Passing Out Of The College

“I passed out of my college,” meaning I completed graduation.
In the UK, USA, Australia or New Zeland ‘Graduation’ or ‘Convocation’ is used. One graduates from the college and not passes out.
‘Passed out’ is used if somebody drank alcohol heavily and is unconscious.
7. Don’t Eat My Brains

This one is used when somebody is under stress and is used during times of irritation; just yelling to the other person ‘Stop bugging me!’
8. Expired

It’s common for people to refer death this way.
Example – “My dad expired.”
The term ‘expired’ is used for products that come with expiry dates.
Instead one can say ” My dad passed away.”
9. Using ‘No’ in a question
Commonly, every question is followed by the word, ‘No’.
“You are going to Delhi no?” or “Are you going to bed no?”
It should be, “You are going to Delhi, aren’t you?”
10. Mother Promise/God Promise
It’s common to hear these sentences… When somebody says…. “Mother promise I didn’t do it” or ‘God promise I did it”… it simply means you don’t have any choice but to believe that person.
One is aware of Mother’s promise or God’s promise but not Mother promise or God Promise.
The word ‘promise’ is mentioned in Oxford Dictionary but not ‘mother promise’/’God Promise.’
‘Mother promise’ is literally the English translation of the Hindi sentence, ‘Ma Kasam.’
It also means, “A commitment of the utmost seriousness. Be warned that you are making a promise that puts your own mother’s health and/or very life at risk. Do not use lightly.” Source -samosapedia.com
Simply, one can use the word ‘Promise’ and that’s it. There is no need to drag your mother or God into the discussions.
11. Would Be
Fiance is introduced to others as ‘My would be’ which is totally confusing.
Instead one can say, “My fiance.”
12. Prepone & Revert Back
Prepone – Bringing the assigned program forward by a day or two. Simply, you can say “Please advance the schedule.”
Revert back – Example: “I will revert back to you shortly.” The correct way is “I will revert to you shortly.”
13. Timepass
Again, this term not found in dictionary.
It is an expression used to kill the time. You can think of it as, “I am passing the time.”
14. Paining
It’s commonly used during conversations.
“My head is paining,” or “My body is paining;” which replaces the word, “Hurting.”
15. It’s Raining Outside
It makes you wonder, “Does it ever rain inside the house?”
My friend, it is not so, it means, “It’s raining cats & dogs.”
Yes…
Being Indians, we are proud of our English.
Now it is time to be ready for the Laugh riot… Check these two links:
About the guest author:
Dr. Sridhar is the man behind Philosophy Through Photography.
This deep thinker from India wears many hats; he is a physician, a blogger, a philosopher and an amateur photographer.
It’s interesting, but very poor English! 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, John. Entire India is not like this. There are millions of people who speak impeccable English.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🤔 Hmm. I was aware of the fact that India is a very unique place with a one of a kind culture. What I was unaware of where these funny common phrases of Indian English.
I am keeping my figures crossed and hoping that your fellow Indians do not take offence in what you said in your guest post.
Anyway, it was done in an educational and humorous manner.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Renard Moreau.
Of course, there are millions of other Indians that speak good English. I am only trying to highlight the difficulties faced by some due to the culture of Hinglish, which is an accepted norm.
I am sure other non-English speaking people in other parts of the world might be facing a similar situation.
LikeLiked by 3 people
🙂 Yes, I know without a doubt, that there are millions of Indians that possess a good command of the English language.
Also, some of the “Indian English” phrases will leave a foreigner dumbfounded.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Renard Moreau.
LikeLiked by 2 people
RE: #9 – Have you ever been to New York City? I often, in speaking and writing, end a question with “No?” meaning I am expecting an affirmative answer. Possibly a rip-off of the Yiddish “Nu”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah I understand. .Kind of affirmative.
Thank you Grace for taking time and joining the discussion 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
This post is entertaining. I used to nanny Indian twins..The language barrier was a hoot!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes.It’s funny.Thank you Leesalove.
I am unable to check your site.
It says-dointimewithleesa.wordpress.com is no longer available.
The authors have deleted this site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fotolove320 now. I’m taking a writing break to escape into photography
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the information my friend.
LikeLike
Lol. I can’t stop laughing. I was actually having a conversation with my kids sister this morning about how Indians pronounce some English words.
Well… even in my home country, Ghana, it’s a normal thing to use the phrase “passed out” for someone who just graduated from learning a skill such as culinary arts, fashion, electrical engineering, building construction and the likes but not from a formal institution. You often hear, “tomorrow is his/her passing out or she passed out yesterday”.
“Would be” is also a common phrase used to refer to your fiancé or fiancee’
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much Veronica Logo.
I appreciate.
I am surprised that even in Ghana we find similarities.
I think most of the countries ruled earlier by the British likely to have similar situations unique to their culture.
Thank you for sharing this information.
LikeLike
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great Read! I learned much today!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you my friend for your kind words.Appreciate taking your time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lively post with great information on the meaning of words – a topic I always enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Suzette Benjamin.Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
LikeLike
Ha haha
LikeLiked by 2 people
👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being an Indian I am aware of these so called Hinglish terms and phrases. Not surprising to me at all. Just to remind English is just a language than any other language. All of us know how English language came to the country and how it became the official language. All credit goes to the British.
LikeLiked by 4 people
*”like” in place of “than”. Sorry 😐 for the error.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s perfectly OK Dr.Namrata.
Luckily we both speak English,so I could make out, as to which word supposed to be there,so no problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it’s OK but it’s good if we correct our mistakes when found. I think we both know more than one language for sure. 😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha I can speak 5 languages with ease excluding English😃😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s great
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dr.Namrata. Couldn’t agree more.
True what you said regarding- Credits going to British and we are able to communicate to the rest of the world easily unlike most non English speaking World where it is next to impossible to talk.Only sign language comes to the rescue in those countries.
I am glad Indians make their best efforts to convey what they wish to say and it’s just question of time, an English speaking foreigner can understand the meaning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re are welcome and yes I am proud that at least I can properly communicate in a foreign country. Language was just meant communication. As far as I am able to communicate I am fine with it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve actually heard the term “I revert back…” here in the U.S. I might even be guilty of using it myself, even though it’s not “proper English”…LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you HCMorris77.You are kind and too frank.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most interesting information. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Eugenia.My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Hahaha… Well, this is amusing. In the Philippines, a similar thing can be noted when it comes to English. We call it “Carabao English” and it can be quite funny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jomz. I guess every Non-English speaking country, which has the English Language as a medium of communication has a funny blend with the local language. Any examples of Carabao English you can give us? Interesting to know.
LikeLike
I can’t think something off the top of my head. Though mostly used for humor, Carabao English is full of puns. Here’s an example: ‘English Carabao’ – Grammar boo-boos become an obsession for humor http://disq.us/t/3gcw2f9
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend. Quite hilarious, from the president to… dad at church, enjoyed reading. It looks like in all the countries where the mother tongue is not English, but people know how to speak English… these funny phrases are inevitable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some of these did give me a smile. Number 14 reminded me of my dear friend in the Czech Republic who recently informed me that he will soon have a “borning” of his baby daughter, of course he meant a birth. In a way, I feel as though Hinglish could easily be adopted as a form of self-expression. If people in the UK can go up the apples & pears (Cockney rhyme rhyme for stairs), I don’t see it being a major problem. People expiring might cause a few raised eyebrows though!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Mrs. Wolfie.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. I had many smiles with the term ” borning “.
And I guess one is proud that at least one making an effort to speak some English, irrespective of grammar errors, and hats off to the English Language!
LikeLiked by 1 person
India is a very unique and beautiful country ❣️ And these little things are the speciality of India. Am proud to be an Indian
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Happy Orbits.
I fully agree with you .
You resonate with my feelings.
If you read my last sentence in the post,Same sentiment I expressed …..”Being Indians, we are proud of our English”
The majority of the phrases come from Hindi translations.
Which,we commonly come across in North India,not much in South India.South India has altogether different English phrases,another topic for some other day.
Some Indians mistake me for this post.
I just want to show that we are what we are and we are proud to be born here.
Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLike
Yusss !!! Proud to be an Indian 🇮🇳
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even though I know perfect English I use Hinglish many times. Par only ghar pe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jarroorat nahi na.Bahar bhi bolsakten.videsh me be bolsakte.
Who cares ?
Yeh Hamara India hain.Hamaare style hai.Shukriya.🙏
LikeLike
Dhanyawad dost ab hum bejhijak bolenge !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sare jahan se accha hindostan hamara
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow wow wow…. Wah….Kya baath hain
LikeLike
😄😄🇮🇳
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍
LikeLike
Instead of Hinglish, I speak Benglish (Bengali and English)! Great post, and the links were hilarious too!😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Tish Girl.I am aware of the accent of a English,very stylish.Glad you enjoyed the links I provided at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. These local saying are hilarious and I am certain all countries and many regions have something similar. It is like using code, I think. Stay well. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend Allan.Agree.Each country has its own signature phrases. Only locals can decipher.
You too my friend stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
ILLUMINATING!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend
LikeLike
You are welcome! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too do always wonder and laugh. 🤣😂Enjoyed the post.
LikeLike
I couldn’t help but laugh while feeling a little offended, but good one 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend.
Glad you enjoyed reading it.
This is our English,we don’t feel bad about it, instead we are happy that we are able to learn, understand, speak and convey.
You too don’t get offended my friend.
Every non English speaking country has its own way of speaking English.
Thank you again for taking time and stopping by .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I dont know which of these is the funniest! I’m guilty of two more than any of the others (Althought I do admit I’ve done it alllll xD) I use no at the end of my comments and my broke self needs that one-by-two soup desperately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha.Anya Abraham …you are frank. And are we not proud of our English ? And is it not great that with our knowledge of English we are able to communicate with all the English speaking people both in our country & outside ?
Thank you for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesss, whatever be it as long as we’re getting atleast half the point across, it’s fine I suppose. Really brought a good laugh out of my family with the links you provided too. We loved this personal attack xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person