மலம்
malam
The English word 'poop' translates to Tamil as மலம் (malam).
The term மலம் is used to refer to feces or excrement. It is the appropriate word to use in medical or polite contexts when discussing bodily functions.
Meaning: feces (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
மலம் is a formal or clinical term.
How do you pronounce it?
malam
Did you know?
- In certain spiritual contexts, the concept of மலம் is used metaphorically to describe the 'impurities' of the mind or ego that must be cleansed to achieve enlightenment.
- In traditional Siddha medicine, மலம் refers to any waste product or impurity in the body, not just feces. This includes sweat, urine and sebum.
- In Tamil culture, discussing bodily waste in public is often avoided using indirect language. People may refer to the act of pooping as 'going to the office' or 'going for a walk' as a euphemism.
Examples in context
- மலம் கழிப்பது ஆரோக்கியத்திற்கு நல்லது.malam kazhippathu aarokkiyathirku nallathu.Passing feces is good for health.
- மலம் கழிக்கும் இடத்தை சுத்தம் செய்ய வேண்டும்.malam kazhikkum idathai sutham seyya vendum.The place where one passes feces must be cleaned.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining hygiene to a mother at a clinic.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikஅனிதா, குழந்தையின் மலம் எப்படி இருக்கிறது?Anita, kuzhanthaiyin malam eppadi irukkirathu?Anita, how is the baby's feces?
- அனிதா Anitaகார்த்திக், மலம் மிகவும் கருப்பாக உள்ளது.Karthik, malam migavum karuppaga ullathu.Karthik, the feces is very dark.
- கார்த்திக் Karthikகவலைப்படாதீர்கள், இது சாதாரணமானது.Kavalaippadatheerkal, ithu saadharanamathu.Don't worry, this is normal.
- அனிதா Anitaசரி, மிக்க நன்றி.Sari, mikka nandri.Okay, thank you very much.
