13 Things Only the Indians Say

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan | © arunpnair / Flickr

Some of the things that we say in India may not make any sense to an outsider, but these are also what make us so uniquely Indian. A few of them are literal translations from our native languages and others just something that our creative minds invented. Here are some of the things that you’d never hear anywhere else in the world other than in India.

God promise

If you’re interrogating someone about some misdeed and at once he says, “God promise, I didn’t do it,” you have no choice but to believe that person. But even one better than that is “Mother promise”. If you “Mother promise” to keep a secret and then go on to break it, then no force on earth can save you from burning in hell! In India, this really is the mother of all promises.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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2. Thailand

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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What is your good name?

Of course we know that your parents didn’t give you two different names, one of which was a bad name. When we ask you for your “good name”, all we’re doing is being super polite. This is how we start a conversation. Also, we use it because it’s a literal translation from Hindi. We’re just too lazy to make the necessary tweak.

Just like that

This phrase is very useful in evading a number of questions. It denotes indifference and can come close to meaning “for no reason at all”. “Why did you skip work?” “Just like that.” “Why did you steal my lunch?” “Just like that.” “Why do you support Trump?” “Just like that.” If you’re using this phrase, make sure your body language is right. Just imitate the shrug emoji and you’ve nailed it!

Don’t eat my head!

This is another word-for-word translation from Hindi that is readily used when speaking in English as well. It’s a hyperbole showing how the other person’s constant nagging feels like your head is being chomped on. It’s probably close to the British English of “doing my head in”.

Traditional Indian barber

Auntie and Uncle

In India, everybody who looks older than you is either an Auntie or an Uncle. It doesn’t matter whether you know the person or you don’t, addressing them as Auntie or Uncle is a given.

Side, please

“Side, please” is the Indian version of “Excuse me”, but it doesn’t apply in all the situations that the latter does. For example, “Excuse me, could you please tell me where the nearest bar is?” cannot be replaced with the Indian phrase. On the other hand if you’re asking the person in front to move aside so that you can pass through and get a beer first, then go ahead and say, “Side, please” and see how efficiently it works.

Adjust, please?

All the seats on the train are already taken, but then in comes a regular Indian and asks everybody to, “Adjust, please”. This basically means “Hey, scoot along a bit so that I can squeeze one of my butt cheeks in.”

Crowded train in India

Yaar

The English version of “yaar” is “dude” or “mate”, but in India, “yaar” can be used to communicate many more feelings. Depending on the tone used, it can express happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, excitement and any other emotions that you can possibly think of.

Nothing is coming

This one can be used on two different occasions – both not very pleasant. One to indicate that you can’t hear any sound and could possibly have gone deaf. Second, to suggest that your mind has blanked out. For instance, “I should’ve studied for the exam. Now nothing is coming in my head.”

Check if neighbour’s house has power

Whenever there’s a power cut in India, one of the first things that all parents tell their kids to do is to check if the neighbour has been affected too. It’s almost a reflex action. If the house next door is in the dark as well, we tend to breathe a sigh of relief. If not, it’s instant panic.

Mumbai at night

I’m an eggetarian

People in India can be divided into three different groups: vegetarians, non-vegetarian (yes, we do eat meat!) and eggetarians. The first two are quite straightforward, but the third is pretty much a suspect case. This section of the population claim they’re not vegetarians because they eat eggs and avoid dairy products, but they’re not non-vegetarians because they avoid meat.

Guests are god

Atithi Devo Bhava” is a Sanskrit phrase which means “a guest is equal to God” is not just something that we say but something that we believe in wholeheartedly. If you ever get invited to an Indian home as a guest, consider yourself very lucky.

Like that only

This phrase is sort of similar to “Just like that” but it’s spoken with a lot more smugness. Why are us Indians the way we are? “Like that only. Any problem?”

Holy men in India
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