If you’re an Amdavadi, there’s no escaping it! Chances are you’ve slipped these slangs quite often into your conversations!
Ahmedabad, like every vibrant part of Gujarat, boasts a unique set of local slangs and jargons that define its rich culture and colorful people. So, without further ado, here’s a cheeky compilation of words and phrases that every Amdavadi can’t resist sprinkling into their daily banter, spicing up conversations like a plate of extra-spicy fafda!
Baka – Where friendship meets familiarity
“Baka” is more than just a word; it’s a way of addressing a friend, a dear one, or simply anyone you’re comfortable with. Amdavadis use it quite liberally, regardless of gender. It’s their universal, all-encompassing term for addressing people.
“Jo Baka, takleef to revani”
Na hoy! – The universal expression of Amdavadis
“Na hoy” is an exclamation that loosely translates to “it’s not possible.” Whenever Amdavadis are hit with surprising or shocking news (Or any news!), you’ll witness raised eyebrows and a resounding “na hoy!”
“Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt got married.”
“Na hoy!”
Hedo – Let’s roll the Amdavadi way
While “chalo” is the common way to say “let’s go,” Amdavadis add their own flavor with “hedo.” It’s our local invitation to join in.
“Hedo, Manek Chowk ma dosa khava jaie”
Shu ke party – An Amdavadi greeting
Popularized by the iconic character of Baka from Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma, “Shu ke party” is a unique Amdavadi way of asking how someone is doing.
“Shu ke party, maja ma?”
Topa – When stupidity deserves a name
“Topa,” meaning idiot, is a word Amdavadis reach for when someone does something foolish. It’s also an endearing way to playfully tease a friend or take a jab at one.
“Topa ne gadi chalavataj nathi avadti!”
Ala/Ali – The beloved gender pronouns
Ahmedabad has its own way of addressing people based on gender. For males, it’s “ala,” and for females, it’s “ali.”
“Ala mane sandwich pass karish?”
Babuchak – The timeless insult
“Babuchak” is how our parents insulted us long before Bapuji made it famous. It’s the Amdavadi term for an idiot or even a crazy person.
“Ek number no babuchak chhe!”
Moti Note – When making fun of somebody
“Moti note” is a playful way to tease someone who’s a bit eccentric or displays quirky behavior.
“Ene nai bolavo bhai, e to moti note chhe.”
Jor-jordar – Amplifying the praise
“Jor,” derived from the Gujarati word “jordar,” means amazing or powerful. It’s a word of praise for things that Amdavadis find exceptionally good.
“Jor daveli banavi chhe!”
Be – Adding emotion to conversation
“Be” here isn’t the numeric Gujarati word for two; it’s an Amdavadi prelude to a sentence, often used to convey emotions like anger, irritation, boredom or even excitement and joy.
“Be topa, taru kam kar ne.”
“Be maru favorite movie theater ma avi gayu!”
Let us know if we have missed any by commenting below!
