Sep 13, 2024
Did you know that these Hindi words have impeccably navigated their path to the English lexicon? This web story delves into some of these Hindi words that have etched themselves in the English vocabulary.
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Originally derived from the Hindi word ‘jangal’, it gained prominence during the British colonization of India. Today, it is widely used in English as a synonym for dense forests or wilderness.
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Shampoo has originated from the word ‘champo’, which means to massage or press in Hindi. British traders took this word to England which eventually evolved to mean washing hair.
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Thug word shares its roots with the Hindi word 'thag' which means cheat or swindler. Historically, thugs were bands of criminals in India who would rob and sometimes kill travelers.
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Bungalow means a single-storey house, the word shares its ancestry with the Bengali word bangla. It refers to a house in the Bengal style. British officers frequently used this term, hence it entered the English vocabulary.
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This word traces its origin from the Sanskrit word 'yoga' and has now gained acceptance countrywide. It mirrors the physical and spiritual practises that occurred in India thousands of years ago.
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The word loot comes from the Hindi word lut, meaning plunder or steal. The word rose to popularity during British colonial times. Today, it translates to describe theft or stolen property.
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A guru is referred to as a teacher or expert. This word has travelled to the English dictionary from the Hindi and Sanskrit word guru, meaning a guide or teacher. Lately, it is used in English to mean expert or leader in a domain.
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Word pajamas is synonymous with a set of loose-fitting clothes worn for sleeping. Originating from the Hindi word payjama, it refers to loose pants worn around the waist. Comfortable clothing adopted by Britishers made its way into English fashion vocabulary.
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