For anyone who was born and raised in Mumbai, ‘Bambaiya’ language is the native speak. It comes to Mumbaikars as naturally as the language they are accustomed to speaking in their households. Although it may sound crude or even impolite to someone who’s a visitor or a new resident of the city, it sure is fun and very useful in a lot of situations.
Here is a list of a few slang phrases used exclusively in Mumbai.
Tumhara bhi nahi, mera bhi nahi
Translation: Not your price, not mine.
Meaning: Every street shopper in Mumbai has used this slang at some point in their lives to avoid getting fleeced. After a lot of bargaining, this phrase can be used either by the seller or the customer to come an agreement about the final price.
Example: Tumhara bhi nahi, mera bhi nahi. Last price 350.
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Vaat lag gaya
Translation: I/We’re screwed!
Meaning: If you ever find yourself in a soup, you should know Vaat Lag Gaya.
Example: I was not prepared for the test today. Vaat lag gaya.
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Pandu
Translation: It has no meaning but is a very common name in India.
Meaning: This word is used by Mumbaikars to affectionately refer to the traffic cops and police constables. Popularized by Bollywood and Marathi cinema, Pandu is now synonymous with the hawaldars of Mumbai.
Example: Wear your helmet now. There is a Pandu waiting near the signal.
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Sawaal
Translation: A question
Meaning: I don’t know how this slang came into being for it actually means a question. However, since Mumbaikars are a special breed of people, we use this for agreeing with someone.
Example: Friend: You’re coming with us for the Goa trip, right? You: Sawaal!
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Maal impotek hai
Translation: It is an imported product.
Meaning: A phrase that is probably older than your great grandmother, it is used by all street sellers when they are pitching their products to a prospective customer. Be it a tank top, sunglasses or shoes. It won’t matter if you insist that the threads are hanging loose on the shirt that you just picked, or come across a ‘Poma’ bag or an ‘Addidus’ shoe, the seller will still vehemently declare that Maal Impotek Hai.
Example: You: Hey, this shirt looks nice but is too overpriced. Seller: Impotek hai sir/madam.
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Chal vatak
Translation: Just leave!
Meaning: A multi-purpose slang that can be used to get your annoying co-worker to stop bothering you or to close an argument with someone.
Example: Colleague: Hey, can you cover up for me in today’s meeting? You: Chal vatak.
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Bohat keeda hai
Translation: He/she has got a lot of worms.
Meaning: Do not get creeped out by the literal meaning. The phrase has got nothing to do with worms but is actually an expression for a person who has the habit of creating a mess just for fun. Every group has one designated troublemaker, right. This slang has been made for them.
Example: Why did you send her a friend request from my account? Bohat keeda hai.
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Abey yede
Translation: Hey, you fool!
Meaning: Remember, this is not a derogatory phrase. It is often used as the opening to an epic explanation before you’re about to prove someone wrong.
Example: Abey yede, Bandra is not just a suburb, it is an attitude.
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