Hindi’s Colourful Influence on the English Language

Britain and India have a long history together. As a result of this history, the English language has many Hindi words that we use every day, without even thinking about it.

• Nirvana - Heavenly spiritual enlightment

• Shampoo - Liquid to wash your hair

• Thug - A violent or aggressive person

• Veranda - A covered area outside the home to enjoy the garden in shade

• Dungarees - Trousers with a piece attached that covers the chest, and has straps that attach it to the back

• Cummerbund - A sash worn around the waist, often part of a man's wedding clothing

• Pariah - A person widely disliked or hated

• Pajamas - Clothes we sleep in

• Typhoon - A tropical storm

• Hullabaloo - A lot of noisy fuss

• Doolally - To be 'crazy' or 'insane'

Essentially colonial English men and women living in India adopted these words as the English language had no word for a veranda, and they thought a thug was an excellent description of an aggressive person. If English does not have a word for something, it will 'borrow' from another language. As I write this wearing dungarees with my hair freshly washed with shampoo, I adore the flexibility of the English language, and the colour given to it by Indian words.

Would you like to develop your language skills for General English, Business English, or school? Click the buttons below to find out what Lana Betts can offer you at Wright English, or contact Lana to book your free 60-minute trial lesson, and receive your free 3-month personalised learning plan.