ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼
bevakūf
The English phrase "stupid idiot" can be translated into Punjabi as ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ (bevakūf).
ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ is an insulting term used to describe a person who lacks intelligence or common sense. While it translates to 'stupid idiot', it is often used as a single noun meaning 'a fool' or 'an idiot' rather than a redundant adjective-noun pairing.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter ਮੂਰਖ or ਊਲੂ to convey similar ideas of stupidity or foolishness.
How do you pronounce it?
bevakūf
Did you know?
- In Punjabi culture, the animal associated with stupidity is the owl, ਊਲੂ, which is the opposite of the Western tradition of seeing owls as symbols of wisdom.
- The word ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ contains an Arabic root that literally refers to 'standing still'.
- While ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ is an insult, it is frequently used as a term of endearment between close friends and family, similar to calling someone 'silly' in English.
Examples in context
- ਉਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ ਹੈ।Oh bahut bevakoof hai.He is a very stupid idiot.
Example conversation
Kiran and Harman are arguing about a mistake.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਤੁਸੀਂ ਇਹ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਕੀਤਾ, ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼?Tusi eh kive kita, bevakoof?How did you do this, you stupid idiot?
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਾਫ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿਓ, ਕਿਰਨ।Mainu maaf kar deo, Kiran.Please forgive me, Kiran.
- ਕਿਰਨ Kiranਤੁਸੀਂ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਇੰਨੇ ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼ ਕਿਉਂ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹੋ?Tusi hamesha inne bevakoof kyon hunde ho?Why are you always such a stupid idiot?
- ਹਰਮਨ Hermanਮੈਂ ਅਗਲੀ ਵਾਰ ਧਿਆਨ ਰੱਖਾਂਗਾ।Main agli vaar dhyaan rakhanga.I will be careful next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ਬੇਵਕੂਫ਼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
