ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ
gaalan
The English phrase "swear words" is ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ (gaalan) in Punjabi.
ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ is the term used to refer to swear words. In informal speech, certain terms are used as insults, such as Kutte, which literally means "dog" or the strong curse Madarchod, which refers to someone with an inappropriate relationship with their mother.
What does it mean word for word?
To express the act of swearing as a verb, you can use the phrase ਗਾਲ਼ ਕੱਢਣਾ (gaal kaddhna), which literally means "to take out/emit a swear word".
Which one should you use?
The form ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ (gaalan) is the plural form used when referring to multiple swear words. In contrast, ਗਾਲ਼ (gaal) is the singular form used for a single swear word.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the act of using multiple swear words, you use the verbal phrase ਗਾਲ਼ਾਂ ਕੱਢਣਾ (gaalan kaddhna).
How do you pronounce it?
gaalan
Did you know?
- While ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ are generally offensive, some Punjabi swear words are used as terms of deep endearment or camaraderie among close male friends in rural areas.
- Punjabi insults often target a person's family members or ancestors rather than the individual, making the 'swear word' a social attack on the family's honor.
- The verb used to describe swearing, ਕੱਢਣਾ (kaddhna), literally means 'to take out' or 'to extract', as if the swear words were physical objects being pulled from within someone.
Examples in context
- ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੱਢਣਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਾੜਾ ਹੈ।us nu gaalhaan kadhna bahut maada hai.It is very bad to use swear words.
- ਉਹ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੱਢਦਾ।oh bachiyan de saahmane gaalhaan nahi kadhda.He does not use swear words in front of children.
- ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੱਢਣ ਨਾਲ ਕੋਈ ਫਾਇਦਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੁੰਦਾ।gaalhaan kaddan naal koi faayda nahi hunda.There is no benefit in using swear words.
Example conversation
Aman and Simran are talking about a man's behavior.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਉਹ ਬੰਦਾ ਕਿੰਨਾ ਗੁੱਸੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀ?oh banda kinna gusse vich si?How angry was that man?
- ਅਮਨ Amanਉਹ ਬਹੁਤ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾ ਗਾਲ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੱਢ ਰਿਹਾ ਸੀ।oh bahut zyada gaalhaan kadd riha si.He was using a lot of swear words.
- ਸਿਮਰਨ Simranਇਹ ਤਾਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਾੜੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ।ih taan bahut maari gall hai.That is a very bad thing.
- ਅਮਨ Amanਹਾਂ, ਸਿਮਰਨ, ਮੈਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਬੁਰਾ ਲੱਗਿਆ।haan, Simran, mainu vi bahut bura laggya.Yes, Simran, I also felt very bad about it.
