Slang

1. ବଢ଼ିଆ

   baḍhiā

   Nice / Great

   Usage

   The most-used Odia compliment. Works for food and goods and is safe with anyone

2. ଭାରି ଭଲ

   bhāri bhala

   Really good

   Usage

   "Bhāri" is colloquial "very". A safe way to react, fine with elders

3. ମସ୍ତ

   masta

   Great

   Usage

   A casual word for food, weather and mood alike — for friends and shopkeepers

4. ସୁପର

   supara

   Super

   Usage

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

5. ହଉ

   hau

   OK / Alright

   Usage

   A distinctly Odia "alright". Safe with anyone; add "ājñā" for someone senior

6. ଠିକ୍ ଅଛି

   ṭhika achhi

   That's fine

   Usage

   For accepting a compromise without friction. Safe with anyone

7. କିଛି ଅସୁବିଧା ନାହିଁ

   kichhi asubidhā nāhĩ

   No problem

   Usage

   The reply to an apology or hesitation; polite enough for elders

8. ଚାଲ

   chāla

   Let's go

   Usage

   Prompts a departure. For friends; with elders use the polite "chālantu"

9. ଆରେ

   āre

   Hey / Oh

   Usage

   A light call or exclamation of surprise. For friends and peers, not for elders

10. ଟାଇମ ପାସ୍

    ṭāima pāsa

    Timepass

    Usage

    From Indian English and understood nationwide. A light answer to "what were you up to?", for friends

11. ଜୁଗାଡ଼

    jugāṛa

    Jugaad (improvised fix)

    Usage

    The knack of making do with what is at hand. Understood across India and often meant as praise

12. ଭାଇ

    bhāi

    Brother (address)

    Usage

    A warm address for a man you do not know; it softens exchanges with drivers and shopkeepers

13. ମାଉସୀ

    māusī

    Auntie (address)

    Usage

    Literally a maternal aunt, used affectionately for older women in markets and eateries. Not for peers or younger women

14. ମାମୁଁ

    māmũ

    Uncle (address)

    Usage

    Literally a maternal uncle, used affectionately for older men. Not for peers or younger men

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