Slang

15 phrases · Malayalam with romanization, English and audio

  1. അടിപൊളി

    adipoli

    Awesome

    Usage

    The signature Malayalam compliment. Works for food and experiences and is understood by all ages

  2. കിടിലൻ

    kidilan

    Terrific

    Usage

    Strong praise, casual — for friends and shopkeepers. With elders, "valare nallathu" is safer

  3. പൊളി

    poli

    Killer / Amazing

    Usage

    Youth slang, natural with people your own age and better avoided with elders

  4. കൊള്ളാം

    kollaam

    Not bad / Nice

    Usage

    Gentle approval, safe with anyone — handy for reacting to a taste or an item

  5. ഉഗ്രൻ

    ugran

    Superb

    Usage

    Praise for skill or workmanship, fine with elders

  6. സൂപ്പർ

    soopar

    Super

    Usage

    An English loan understood by everyone — the safe way to react

  7. ചുമ്മാ

    chumma

    Just like that / Just kidding

    Usage

    Means both "no particular reason" and "just kidding". For friendly chat, not for negotiations

  8. കുഴപ്പമില്ല

    kuzhappamilla

    No problem

    Usage

    The reply to an apology or hesitation. Smooth and safe with anyone

  9. ടെൻഷൻ അടിക്കണ്ട

    tension adikkanda

    Don't stress

    Usage

    A colloquial verb built on English "tension". For calming friends and peers; with elders say "vishamikkanda"

  10. ഒരു രക്ഷയുമില്ല

    oru rakshayumilla

    Unbearable

    Usage

    The set phrase for giving up against heat or crowds. Say it about a situation, never about a person

  11. പിന്നല്ലാതെ

    pinnallaathe

    Of course!

    Usage

    A casual way to agree emphatically. For friends; with elders a plain "athe" is safer

  12. മാസ്സ്

    maass

    Mass (impressive)

    Usage

    Film-derived youth slang praising something with swagger. Use it with people your own age

  13. ചേട്ടാ

    chettaa

    Brother (address)

    Usage

    A warm address for an older man; it softens exchanges with drivers and shopkeepers. Not for someone younger

  14. ചേച്ചി

    chechi

    Sister (address)

    Usage

    An address for an older woman; polite in markets and eateries. Not for peers or younger women

  15. അളിയാ

    aliyaa

    Bro (address)

    Usage

    Literally "brother-in-law". Only between close male friends — never with strangers, elders or women

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