Unique English Words Derived from the Hindi Language

India was by far the most valuable British colony. Spices, fabrics, and even words were brought back to
Imperial England. Here we will delve into some of the lesser-known words that were coverted from Hindi to
English.

bobbery
This funny-sounding word means clamor or hubbub. Here's a mnemonic for you: Many funny Bobs lead to bobbery.

bungalow
Derived from the Hindi word bangla, this word means house, usually one-story, that features a roof with a low apex and often a room in the top of the roof.

chapati
This flat, thin pancake-like bread is unleavened and a tasty staple with almost any meal

chintz
This Indian cloth is a calico, or course cotton fabric, with printed patterns.

dharna
A strange form of justice-seeking where the offender fasts in front of his door to appeal for justice

dungaree
From Hindi word dugri, this is a thick and durable cotton twill made of colored yarn, and usually refers to blue denim. Now we use it to refer to jeans.

guru
Originally meaning a spiritual guide or personal religion teacher in Hindi, now it's used to mean "expert"

howdah
You turn an elephant(or camel) into a luxury vehicle with a howdah, which is a seat or covered pavilion(like a mini-carriage) on said animal's back.

maharani
The wife of a maharaja(Hindu prince), or a Hindu princess ranked above a rani(Hindu queen)

pachisi
This is an ancient board game that is played with counters and dice on a T-shaped board. The name comes from the Hindi pacisi, from pacis, which is "twenty-five."

pajama
Our beloved PJ's got their name from India!

pukka
This means "authentic" or "genuine". To remember think "I bought a pukka chukka."

roti
This bread is a mainstay at dinner tables, and is a round, flat and soft unleavened bread that goes great with many foods.

sannyasi
A Hindu ascetic who begs to survive.

sarod (also sarode)
A lute played in northern India.

sitar
A lute with a long neck and an undetermined string count.

tandoor
a clay circular oven where tasty food is cooked over charcoal. Food thus cooked is dubbed tandoori. Tandoori chicken is highly recommended to you friends.

wallah
Someone who is responsible for some duty or belongs to a particular occuption (i.e. the jewelry wallah).

The Indian subcontinent has surely been an interesting and rich source of lexicon for us. Hopefully one day you can tour this great and mesmerizing area.

source:

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. CD-ROM Version 2.5. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2000.