Are you ready to decode the vibrant tapestry of Pakistani slang and take your Urdu game to the next level? Whether you’re planning to travel across the scenic northern valleys, navigating the bustling bazaars of Lahore, or simply looking to connect more deeply with your Pakistani friends, learning local expressions can open doors to genuine cultural experiences. This Ultimate Pakistani Slang Guide will arm you with the knowledge of 100 must-know terms—so you can communicate confidently and sound like a true local!
Why Learn Pakistani Slang?
When most people think of learning Urdu (Pakistan’s national language), they picture traditional phrases found in textbooks or formal settings. But the real magic happens in everyday interactions—during late-night gup shup (chats), roadside chai breaks, and spontaneous mazay (fun) gatherings. Here’s why picking up local slang is a game-changer:
- Authentic Connection: Locals appreciate it when you try to speak their language, especially the colloquial form.
- Cultural Insight: Slang reveals what’s happening beneath the surface of a culture—its humor, quirks, and collective mindset.
- Travel Ease: Knowing how to banter with shopkeepers or taxi drivers makes your journey smoother (and often more affordable).
- Social Cred: You’ll earn instant brownie points in friendly gatherings. Who doesn’t want that?
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 100 essential Pakistani slang terms you won’t find in most traditional Urdu textbooks.
Essential Terms for Everyday Conversations
Basic Greetings & Farewells (1–5)
- Yaar
- Meaning: A casual way to say “friend” or “buddy.”
- Usage: “Yaar, can you help me carry this bag?”
- Why It’s Cool: Packs warmth and familiarity in a single word, widely used regardless of age or region.
- Scene On Hai
- Meaning: “The plan is on” or “it’s happening.”
- Usage: “Chai peena hai? Scene on hai!” (Want to have tea? It’s on!)
- Pro Tip: Perfect for confirming any plan, from hanging out to late-night drives.
- Chalo Phir
- Meaning: “Alright then, let’s go.”
- Usage: “Chalo phir, nikalte hain.” (Alright, then let’s head out.)
- Why It’s Handy: A casual way to wrap up a conversation or finalize a plan.
- Allah Hafiz
- Meaning: A common way to say “Goodbye,” literally meaning “God protect.”
- Usage: “Ok, I’m leaving now, Allah Hafiz!”
- Cultural Insight: In more urban circles, you might also hear “Khuda Hafiz,” especially among friends.
- Ho Gaya
- Meaning: “It’s done” or “all set.”
- Usage: “Dinner plan ho gaya.” (The dinner plan is all set.)
- Context: A quick way to confirm that something is finalized.
Everyday Expressiveness: Compliments & Reactions
Praises & Exclamations (6–15)
- Bohat Ala
- Meaning: “Excellent!” or “awesome.”
- Usage: “Your biryani is bohat ala!”
- Fun Fact: Often used with an enthusiastic tone to show genuine appreciation.
- Kamaal Hai
- Meaning: “Amazing!” or “That’s wonderful!”
- Usage: “You got a new job? Kamaal hai!”
- Why It’s Useful: Conveys excitement without being over the top.
- Oye Hoye
- Meaning: Expression of admiration or surprise.
- Usage: “Oye hoye, you look great today!”
- Cultural Flavor: A fun, catchy phrase common in Punjabi-speaking regions.
- Achi Baat
- Meaning: “Good thing” or “Good idea.”
- Usage: “You decided to start exercising? Achi baat.”
- Tip: Ideal for gently approving someone’s suggestion or action.
- Zabardast
- Meaning: “Fantastic,” “incredible,” or “superb.”
- Usage: “That film was zabardast!”
- Quick Note: Can be used for anything praiseworthy, from food to performances.
- Aik Number
- Meaning: “Top-notch” or “number one.”
- Usage: “His batting skills are aik number!”
- Cultural Insight: Consider it a playful nod to something or someone being outstanding.
- Dil Khush Ho Gaya
- Meaning: “My heart is happy,” showing deep satisfaction or joy.
- Usage: “Dil khush ho gaya after meeting old friends.”
- Emotional Punch: Conveys genuine happiness beyond a simple “I’m glad.”
- Kya Baat Hai
- Meaning: “What’s the matter?” or “What’s so special?”
- Usage: Often exclaimed to appreciate something. “Kya baat hai, you aced the exam!”
- Versatility: Tone can shift from admiration to genuine inquiry.
- Shaabash
- Meaning: “Well done!”
- Usage: “Shaabash, you finished all your chores on time!”
- Cultural Roots: Commonly used to encourage or praise someone, from kids to adults.
- Wah Wah
- Meaning: Another exclamation of admiration or delight.
- Usage: “Wah wah, that’s a brilliant painting!”
- Pro Tip: Often heard when people enjoy music, poetry, or a particularly witty joke.
Fun with Friendly Teasing
Mild Insults & Jokes (16–25)
- Budtameez
- Meaning: “Rude” or “ill-mannered.”
- Usage: “Don’t be budtameez, say hello properly!”
- Tone: Playful or serious depending on context.
- Paindu
- Meaning: Refers to someone from a rural background, used teasingly to imply “uncool.”
- Usage: “He’s acting paindu wearing those outdated clothes.”
- Note: Can be offensive if used harshly, so handle with care.
- Ghanta
- Meaning: Literal translation: “bell.” Slang usage: “Yeah, right” in a sarcastic tone.
- Usage: “You think you’ll wake up at 5 AM? Ghanta!”
- Caution: Informal and often used among close friends.
- Chichora
- Meaning: “Show-off” or someone who’s being flashy and immature.
- Usage: “Don’t be chichora, keep it subtle.”
- Why It Matters: Quickly calls out someone’s over-the-top behavior.
- Drama Mat Karo
- Meaning: “Don’t make a scene” or “Stop overreacting.”
- Usage: “Drama mat karo, it’s just a small scratch on the car.”
- Universal Utility: Great for defusing minor conflicts or teasing a friend who’s exaggerating.
- Bhaag Yahan Se
- Meaning: “Run away from here!” or “Get lost!” (in a playful way).
- Usage: “You’re annoying me, bhaag yahan se!”
- Context: Often used in jest among close buddies.
- Seedha Saadha
- Meaning: “Simple,” “innocent,” or even “naïve.”
- Usage: “He’s a seedha saadha guy, never lies.”
- Pro Tip: Can be a compliment or mild teasing.
- Khopri Garam
- Meaning: “Hot-headed” or “angry.”
- Usage: “Don’t talk to him now; his khopri garam hai.”
- Why It’s Cool: Instantly paints a vivid image of someone’s mood.
- Phadda
- Meaning: A fight, argument, or heated situation.
- Usage: “There was a phadda at the wedding over music choices.”
- Cultural Note: Pakistanis love big, fun events, so a “phadda” usually creates a buzz.
- Time Pass
- Meaning: Doing something just for fun or to kill time.
- Usage: “We’re at the mall doing time pass.”
- Versatility: Works in casual contexts—gaming, hanging out, or aimlessly browsing.
Food & Chai Culture
Must-Know Terms for Your Taste Buds (26–35)
- Chai
- Meaning: Tea—Pakistan’s unofficial national beverage.
- Usage: “Let’s go for chai, yaar.”
- Cultural Significance: Many friendships have blossomed over a steaming cup of karak chai.
- Doodh Patti
- Meaning: Strong, milky tea.
- Usage: “I prefer doodh patti over green tea.”
- Pro Tip: Especially popular in northern regions, served sweet and piping hot.
- Nashta
- Meaning: “Breakfast,” often elaborate with parathas, omelets, and chai.
- Usage: “Sunday nashta includes halwa puri, obviously.”
- Fun Fact: Pakistani breakfasts can be quite the feast!
- Khana Shana
- Meaning: “Food and stuff,” a casual phrase covering meal-related plans.
- Usage: “We’ll do some khana shana before heading to the movie.”
- Why It’s Handy: Great filler phrase when you’re not sure what’s on the menu.
- Biryani Scene
- Meaning: Refers to making or going out for biryani.
- Usage: “Biryani scene on hai, want to join?”
- Iconic Dish: Biryani is more than food—it’s an emotion in Pakistan.
- Mazay Karna
- Meaning: To have fun or enjoy.
- Usage: “We’re going to the beach to mazay karna.”
- Sweet Spot: Perfect for describing any entertaining or leisurely activity.
- Thailay Wala
- Meaning: Street cart vendor or hawker.
- Usage: “I love thailay wala gol gappay!”
- Local Culture: Pakistan’s street food scene is legendary—thailay walas are its backbone.
- Dhabay Ki Chai
- Meaning: Tea from a roadside stall, known for its unique flavor.
- Usage: “Nothing beats dhabay ki chai after a long trip.”
- Pro Travel Tip: A must-try if you want an authentic local experience.
- Tikka
- Meaning: Grilled meat pieces, often chicken or beef, marinated in spices.
- Usage: “Let’s order some tikka tonight.”
- Why You’ll Love It: Smoky, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
- Masala Scene
- Meaning: A spicy or flavorful situation.
- Usage: “That new drama has a total masala scene!”
- Double Meaning: Can refer to actual spice in food or “spice” in a story or gossip.
Navigating Money & Shopping
Practical Lingo (36–45)
- Paise Ka Masla
- Meaning: A money issue or shortage of funds.
- Usage: “Can’t go to the movies, paise ka masla hai.”
- Why It’s Real: Everyone’s had a paise ka masla at some point!
- Maal
- Meaning: “Stuff,” “goods,” or colloquially “money.”
- Usage: “He’s got a lot of maal saved up.”
- Heads-Up: Context can shift meaning from generic “things” to “cash.”
- Hisaab Kitab
- Meaning: “Accounts” or “settling up.”
- Usage: “Let’s do hisaab kitab after the trip.”
- Travel Tip: Useful when splitting costs among friends.
- On Kardo
- Meaning: “Turn it on” (often used for A/C, lights, or the car).
- Usage: “It’s hot, A/C on kardo!”
- Slice of Life: Simple yet ubiquitous phrase across households.
- Thanda Karao
- Meaning: “Cool it down” or “calm down.”
- Usage: “Don’t be upset, thanda karao.”
- Quick De-Stress: Perfect for telling someone to chill out.
- Lena Dena
- Meaning: “Give and take,” can also imply transactions or debts.
- Usage: “What’s our lena dena for that group gift?”
- Pro Tip: Good for clarifying financial dealings among friends.
- Set Hai
- Meaning: “All good,” “all set,” or “it’s sorted.”
- Usage: “Plan set hai, let’s go now.”
- Universal Phrase: Applies to everything from scheduling to paying the bill.
- Loot Lo
- Meaning: Literally “go rob,” but slang for “take advantage of a sale.”
- Usage: “There’s a 50% discount? Loot lo!”
- Shopping Enthusiasm: Encourages friends to jump on a good deal.
- Matha Lagana
- Meaning: “To haggle hard.”
- Usage: “She loves matha lagana at the local bazaar.”
- Pro Shopping Move: Bargaining is an art form in Pakistan’s markets.
- Zabardast Sale
- Meaning: “Fantastic sale,” usually a significant discount.
- Usage: “There’s a zabardast sale at the mall right now.”
- Excitement Factor: Perfect for savvy shoppers chasing deals.
College, Work & Tech Terms
Slang for Students & Professionals (46–60)
- Bunk Kerna
- Meaning: Skipping class or work.
- Usage: “We’ll bunk kerna the lecture and watch a movie.”
- Warning: Funny among friends, but not recommended for career building!
- Paper Dena
- Meaning: To take an exam.
- Usage: “I have to paper dena tomorrow morning.”
- Cram Culture: Commonly heard during finals season.
- Assignment Scene
- Meaning: Dealing with homework or projects.
- Usage: “The assignment scene is heavy this week.”
- Student Life: A go-to phrase in universities across Pakistan.
- Chutti
- Meaning: A holiday or day off.
- Usage: “We have chutti on Friday, let’s plan a road trip!”
- Cultural Note: If a national holiday is announced on short notice, it’s a chutti bonus moment!
- Boss Banda
- Meaning: A person who is the “boss” or in charge.
- Usage: “He’s the boss banda of this project.”
- Admiration: Also used informally to praise someone’s leadership.
- Kainchi
- Meaning: Literally “scissors.” Slang for a strict person (often a teacher or boss).
- Usage: “Our new boss is kainchi, super strict about deadlines.”
- Contextual Clue: Not to be used in front of said strict person!
- Overtime Scene
- Meaning: Working extra hours.
- Usage: “Overtime scene every night, I’m exhausted.”
- Professional Reality: Common in high-pressure jobs.
- Term Pori
- Meaning: “End of term” or final exams period.
- Usage: “Term pori is next week, gotta study hard.”
- Student Struggle: Expect minimal social life during this time.
- Net Lagao
- Meaning: “Connect to the internet.”
- Usage: “Net lagao, I want to watch something on YouTube.”
- Digital Age Must: As ubiquitous as “turn on the lights.”
- Data Khatam
- Meaning: “Data is finished”—a common frustration in mobile usage.
- Usage: “I was in the middle of a call and data khatam.”
- Everyday Woe: Not limited to Pakistan, but widely expressed here.
- Bug Laga Hai
- Meaning: There’s a bug or error (usually in software).
- Usage: “The site isn’t working, bug laga hai maybe.”
- IT Relevance: The perfect phrase for tech-savvy folks.
- Status Lagana
- Meaning: To post a status on WhatsApp or social media.
- Usage: “She loves to status lagana about her meals.”
- Modern Socializing: Reflects the popularity of sharing daily life online.
- Inbox Karo
- Meaning: “Send me a private message,” especially on Facebook or WhatsApp.
- Usage: “I’ll give you details. Inbox karo.”
- Digital Lingo: Also used as “DM kerdo.”
- Forward Kerdo
- Meaning: “Forward this message.”
- Usage: “That meme is hilarious, forward kerdo!”
- Chain Culture: Pakistanis love forwarding entertaining or informative messages in groups.
- Bhaari Meme
- Meaning: A “heavy” or super funny meme.
- Usage: “Did you see that new funny video? Bhaari meme!”
- Influencer Culture: Memes are a big part of social media talk.
Relationships & Family
Heartfelt & Casual Terms (61–70)
- Ammi / Abbu
- Meaning: “Mom” / “Dad,” used affectionately.
- Usage: “Ammi told me to be home by 9.”
- Cultural Core: Family is paramount in Pakistani society.
- Bhai / Baji
- Meaning: “Brother” / “Sister,” also used for close friends or acquaintances.
- Usage: “Baji, can you pass the salt?” / “Bhai, help me out.”
- Respect & Warmth: Even used among strangers to show courtesy.
- Beta
- Meaning: “Son,” used as a term of endearment for younger people.
- Usage: “Beta, have you eaten?”
- Universal Endearment: You’ll hear this from aunties, uncles, teachers—everyone!
- Chhoti
- Meaning: “The youngest sister” or “the young one.”
- Usage: “Chhoti is still in college.”
- Family Dynamics: Common in big families to differentiate siblings.
- Phuppo
- Meaning: Paternal aunt. Sometimes joked about as the “strict aunt.”
- Usage: “Phuppo is visiting next week, let’s clean up!”
- Household Dynamic: Stereotypically known for giving plenty of unsolicited advice.
- Khala
- Meaning: Maternal aunt, often depicted as kind and caring.
- Usage: “My khala makes the best biryani.”
- Cultural Note: A beloved figure in many households.
- Nikkah Fix
- Meaning: “Arranged marriage discussion.”
- Usage: “Is your nikkah fix date decided yet?”
- Cultural Insight: Arranged marriages remain common, though evolving.
- Set Rishta
- Meaning: “Arranged match,” typically decided by families.
- Usage: “She found a set rishta through a family friend.”
- Curious Fact: “Rishta aunties” play matchmaker roles in many communities.
- Ghar Damaad
- Meaning: A “live-in son-in-law,” jokingly referencing men who stay with in-laws.
- Usage: “He’s become a ghar damaad after his wedding.”
- Amusing Tone: Often teased about men not wanting to leave the comfort of their in-laws’ home.
- Shaadi Scene
- Meaning: “Wedding plan” or “wedding vibes.”
- Usage: “Shaadi scene is crazy this month—three events!”
- Fun Fact: Pakistani weddings are multi-day extravaganzas filled with music, dance, and color.
Entertainment & Social Settings
Let’s Have Some Fun (71–80)
- Gup Shup
- Meaning: Casual chatter or gossip.
- Usage: “Let’s have some gup shup over tea.”
- Social Bonding: Integral to Pakistani gatherings.
- Jugaar
- Meaning: A creative hack or fix for any problem.
- Usage: “He used jugaar to fix the broken door handle.”
- Cultural Badge: Celebrates ingenuity and resourcefulness.
- Mazedar
- Meaning: “Delicious,” “tasty,” or “fun.”
- Usage: “That dish was mazedar!”
- Versatile: Food, jokes, or experiences can all be mazedar.
- Ooper Se Guzar Gaya
- Meaning: “It went over my head,” or “I didn’t understand.”
- Usage: “His explanation ooper se guzar gaya.”
- Education Jargon: Common in tough math or science classes.
- Scene Tight
- Meaning: The situation is intense, serious, or complicated.
- Usage: “Teacher caught them cheating—scene tight ho gaya.”
- High-Stakes Alert: Often used in negative or urgent contexts.
- No Scene
- Meaning: “No problem,” “not an issue.”
- Usage: “Can I borrow your car? No scene, yaar.”
- Positivity Booster: Instantly puts the other person at ease.
- Kat Layna
- Meaning: “To ditch someone” or “leave them hanging.”
- Usage: “Don’t kat layna your friends when they need you.”
- Friendship Etiquette: Emphasizes loyalty and not bailing on people.
- Mazay Ki Baatein
- Meaning: “Fun talk” or “interesting conversation.”
- Usage: “We had mazay ki baatein after dinner.”
- Social Glue: Great for bonding sessions late into the night.
- Lafafa
- Meaning: “Envelope,” slang for a bribe.
- Usage: “He tried a lafafa to get out of the traffic ticket.”
- Real-World Note: Bribery is an unfortunate but existing reality, tackled by various reforms.
- Tension Mat Lo
- Meaning: “Don’t stress out.”
- Usage: “Exams are coming, but tension mat lo—you’ll do great.”
- Mental Health Reminder: Encourages a relaxed approach amid chaos.
Final 20 Slang Gems
Catch-All Expressions (81–100)
- Banda
- Meaning: “Person” or “guy,” also “a good man.”
- Usage: “He’s a nice banda, always helpful.”
- Inclusive Term: Can be used for men or people in general.
- Dil Ka Banda
- Meaning: “Person close to the heart.”
- Usage: “He’s my dil ka banda—my best friend.”
- Emotional Punch: Implies strong affection or trust.
- Zyada Dimagh Mat Ladao
- Meaning: “Don’t overthink it.”
- Usage: “It’s simple, zyada dimagh mat ladao.”
- Stress Buster: Perfect for a friend who’s always worried.
- Phadda Lag Gaya
- Meaning: “A fight broke out.”
- Usage: “They had a disagreement, phadda lag gaya.”
- Dramatic Turn: A typical phrase for describing heated conflicts.
- Lag Gaye
- Meaning: “We’re doomed!” or “We’re in trouble.”
- Usage: “Deadline is tomorrow? Lag gaye!”
- Comical Exasperation: Commonly used among students or co-workers behind schedule.
- Maamla Fit Hai
- Meaning: “The matter is settled,” or “all is good.”
- Usage: “We talked it out, maamla fit hai now.”
- Positive Conclusion: Indicates resolution and peace.
- Bohat Scope Hai
- Meaning: “There’s a lot of potential.”
- Usage: “This startup idea has bohat scope hai!”
- Career & Future: Encouraging phrase for budding entrepreneurs.
- Bhaari
- Meaning: “Heavy,” but slang for “awesome” or “intense.”
- Usage: “That concert was bhaari, yaar!”
- Enthusiasm Meter: Emphasizes something was high-energy or impressive.
- Nikkah Ho Gaya
- Meaning: “They got married,” typically referring to the formal Islamic ceremony.
- Usage: “Nikkah ho gaya last week; walima is on Sunday.”
- Cultural Context: A big milestone often followed by several receptions.
- Ghalat Scene
- Meaning: “Wrong move” or “bad situation.”
- Usage: “Starting a fight at a wedding? Ghalat scene!”
- Moral Compass: Calls out questionable behavior or choices.
- Chal Nikal
- Meaning: “Let’s go” or “get out.”
- Usage: “This place is boring, chal nikal.”
- Casual Exit: Perfect for rounding up friends when it’s time to bounce.
- Oye Sun
- Meaning: “Hey, listen!”
- Usage: “Oye sun, I have something important to tell you.”
- Attention Grabber: Instantly focuses someone on your message.
- Haan Bhai
- Meaning: “Yes, bro?” or “What’s up?”
- Usage: “Haan bhai, any updates on the event?”
- Familiar Tone: Conveys warmth and readiness to hear someone out.
- Janay Do
- Meaning: “Let it go” or “Don’t worry about it.”
- Usage: “He made a mistake, but janay do—it happens.”
- Forgiveness & Chill: Encourages a no-drama approach.
- Phir Se
- Meaning: “Again.” Used to tease or highlight repetition.
- Usage: “Phir se you’re late? What’s wrong with you!”
- Common Reminder: Handy for calling someone out or expressing mild irritation.
- Ajeeb
- Meaning: “Strange” or “weird.”
- Usage: “That movie was ajeeb, I didn’t get the ending.”
- Go-To Reaction: Summarizes confusion or surprise in one word.
- Bohat Maza Aya
- Meaning: “I had a lot of fun.”
- Usage: “Thanks for inviting me, bohat maza aya!”
- Positive Feedback: Great for expressing you truly enjoyed an event.
- Haye
- Meaning: An exclamation for shock, excitement, or dramatic flair.
- Usage: “Haye, I forgot my phone at home!”
- Sound Effect: Adds emotional punch in everyday speech.
- Phir Bhi
- Meaning: “Even then” or “still.”
- Usage: “Phir bhi, we should be careful.”
- Contextual Emphasis: Useful for transitions or disclaimers.
- Barhna Hai
– Meaning: “We need to move on” or “we have to progress.”
– Usage: “Barhna hai, we can’t stay stuck in the past.”
– Forward Focus: Encourages personal growth or taking the next step.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just unlocked 100 essential Pakistani slang terms that will help you connect, converse, and truly experience local life. Whether you’re navigating lively bazaars, chatting with friends over a steaming cup of dhabay ki chai, or simply exploring the linguistic quirks of Urdu and its regional dialects, these expressions will let you stand out in the best way possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Slang is the lifeblood of everyday interactions and offers insights into cultural values and humor.
- Context is crucial. The same word can be playful among friends or rude in formal settings.
- Practice and immersion—don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Pakistanis appreciate genuine attempts at speaking their language.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends, leave a comment below, and subscribe for more cultural deep-dives. Have a favorite slang word you’ve discovered in Pakistan? Let us know—we’d love to hear your experiences!
Safe travels and happy chatting—tension mat lo, you’ve got this!
External Resources & Further Reading
- Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation – Official platform for travel and cultural information.
- UrduPoint – Online resource for Urdu news, articles, and language learning.
See Also: Singaporean Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Speak Like a Local
