Slang is a basically a term of "new forms of expression". It refers to language that belongs to a particular social group and that doesn't stay around long. Many slang words are forgotten over time, although a few eventually make it into the everyday speech of people from the particular community. Also it is said that the local rickshaw pullers used to take different types of passengers and hear what they talk and they get to hear varieties of words from different cultured people, like muslims, christians, hindus, etc. They start to use those words and gradually spreads across.
Please note that these slangs are in fact not pleasant, more of casual, some are funny, some are bad/inappropriate, and in fact ruins the original Tamil language, I don't encourage you to use all of these in your language, but the purpose of this post is only for you to understand when you come across these slangs when conveyed to you. The way of addressing daily things differs from region to region.
Below are the few listed slang words that I can think of. Feel free to drop comments if you can come up with any new slang words if I have missed so.
Tamil Slangs | Meaning |
Kasmaalam | originated from same Sanskrit word kasmalam - Meaning Dirty, filthy etc. |
Kaima Panniruvan | originated from Urdu word Keema - Meaning shredded, chopped, etc. It is like saying I will chop you or cut you in pieces. |
Kammanaati | Speculated to be a corruption of English sentence "Come here you naughty" which was used by Anglo-Indians to call mischievous children. |
Kuchu / Kundhu | from Telugu/Kannada Kucho - Meaning sit down. |
Adan kokka makka | "your sister's son or daughter". |
Aaleka | Smoothly |
Aalinaal Alaguraaja | Jack of all arts. |
Aathaadi | Oh my Lady!!. |
Alva kudukradhu | Act of deceiving,chicanery or cheating - done very smartly.Dialogue made famous by Tamil actor Sathyaraaj. |
Asalta | To do something very easily. |
Attu | Low Grade, waste |
Baemani | Originated from Urdu which means a person who has no ethics/ scruples/ integrity, trait of dishonesty |
Appatakkar | A term used to describe people who thinks they know about every thing. |
Apeetu | Apeetu is kind of slang equivalent to English word Escaped, and Jaga is Hindi "Place" which means here as getting out of the situation. |
Dubakoor | word to portray a fraudster, no idea of its origin. |
Mersalayiten | Stunned/Amazed |
Bejaar | Painful, troublesome. |
Dubukku | clever fool |
Dhuttu (thutu) | Money. |
Vennai | useless guy |
usaar paNrathu | to get something for oneself using devious methods |
Figaru | Attractive woman. |
Galata | Chaos. or Celebration |
Gandhi kannakku | Fraudulent accounting. |
Jollu | refers to spittle. It is your saliva basically someone salivates at the sight of the opposite sex. |
Bulb vangarathu | To get embarassed |
KD | Petty crook. |
Kabodhi | A Blind person, it is used in a derogative sense. |
Kazhutai | Donkey. |
Kalakaradhu | To impress with one's performance. |
Kalasaradhu | To nag someone. |
Kamnaati | Illegitimate offspring. |
Kenai | Fool. |
Kundhu | Sit down. |
Mokka | it has various meanings: shame, disgrace, or bulkiness, bluntness (like in a knife) |
Lookku vudaradhu | To check someone out, especially if it's an attractive person. |
Maams | Same as "machi". |
Machi | Addressing a friend like "dude" it is used in a positive sense. |
Munji paaru | Sarcastically commenting the look on your face, it is used while insulting. |
Cutting | Small Peg |
Jujupee | Very easy or unimportant task |
Periya Paruppu | Literally big Lentil, it means someone who's a big deal. |
OC | Free, at no cost. |
Pistha | Someone who is a big-shot. |
Pisthu | Person talented in a certain field. |
Pilimu kaatradhu | To show off. |
Poramboku | Orphaned, abandoned. |
Gethu | It's the slang replacement for Awesome or Epic or Kickass |
Semma Irukke | great, superb |
Voodu | House |
Vetti Officer | people who are not employed for any useful work |