ګونګی
gungai
The word ګونګی (gungai) is the Pashto way to say 'dumb' or 'stupid'.
This adjective is used to describe someone or something that is considered stupid.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
gungai
Did you know?
- Using ګونګی to call someone 'stupid' is a metaphorical extension, implying the person is as incapable of providing a sensible answer as someone who cannot speak.
- In Pashto, the word ګونګی is a gendered adjective. This means if you are calling a man 'dumb', you use ګونګی, but if you are addressing a woman, you must change the ending to ګونګۍ to be grammatically correct.
- Because ګونګی describes a physical disability, using it as an insult can be seen as significantly more offensive or taboo in some Pashtun communities than in English.
Example conversation
Khan and Maryam are discussing a bad decision.
- خان Khanدا ډېر ګونګی تصمیم و.Da der gongay tasmeem wa.That was a very dumb decision.
- مریم Maryamزه ورسره موافقه یم، خان.Ze warsara mwafoqa yam, Khan.I agree with you, Khan.
- خان Khanڅنگه یې دا فکر وکړ؟Tsange ye da fikr wakar?How did he think of that?
- مریم Maryamهغه کله کله ډېر ګونګی کېږي.Hagha kala kala der gongay kegi.He becomes very dumb sometimes.
