'Eat my head': 10 more classic Indianisms
Readers contribute to a continuing compilation of grammatically insane, or just plain odd, phrases in common Indian English
"Myself Raju and this is my missus, Kavita. She really eats my brains sometimes. Especially when I don't take rest."To June’s article on classic Indianisms you could add dozens more hilarious -- or extremely irritating -- common grammatical mistakes that flavor the way we communicate in both spoken and written English in India.
The last time I wrote something like this I was accused of writing a "BURGEIOUS article" (sic), and being as funny as a "Germen funeral" (sic). Whatever those are. (*Sigh* I love comments.)
But hear ye, hear ye, all ye genuine geniuses. The word is grammar, not "grammer."
This time, I’ve featured 10 Indianisms contributed by readers.
Comments welcome. But please, remember to use spell check. And proceed with care.
1. Only
"He kicked the ball like that only."
Like there was any doubt about the way he did it.
"I’m here only."
As opposed to just being "here"?
"Only" is the least lonely and most overused word in Indian English.
2. Myself …
“Myself … [Followed by your name].”
If you want to say your name, just say "my name is …".
Unless you’re looking to fail a job interview.
3. Updation
"We’re awaiting updation by our manager." [via svark]
Right. You’re an android. And your manager always winds you up first thing in the morning.
Why not simply: "We’re waiting to be updated by our manager?"
Still, "updation" does have a nice ring to it. Like "tiffin."
I guess I can let this one pass (see, I do discriminate).
4. Basically and actually
This might be an Americanism, and perhaps a Britishism too, but it’s funny when we overuse "basically" and "actually" to emphasize what we mean.
"Basically, we import toothpicks."
"Actually, you know, I’m not sure what we export."
It's like having your head slammed against a wall. Try to stop the habit. For the sake of my head.
5. Taking things
"I will call you back later as I am taking my lunch right now."
Taking it where? To the pool for a swim? [via Shak]
Just like "take rest." [via Shakthi Girish]
Really. "Take rest." Instead of just "rest." Why?
It seems that we just love to take things. Where do we put them?
