DNA Edit: Delightfully Improper - Finally, the English have chuddies to (s)wear

In his delightful book May we Borrow Your Language, Philip Gooden describes how English language has “stolen, snaffled, purloined, pilfered, appropriated and looted words from all over the world”. But the inclusion of “chuddies” in the Oxford English Dictionary is a new ‘low’ altogether.

It all began with the cast of the popular sitcom “Goodness Gracious Me” taking it upon themselves to take “chuddies” to households in the UK. The British, apparently, fell in love with the eight-letter word, and the dismissive “kiss my chuddies” phrase found a secure berth in the bible of English words and their meanings.

Indian words and Indian usages have always been welcomed in OED. In many ways they have enriched English vocabulary, and fuelled its dynamism. There is no denying the fact that the popularity of English has a lot to do with its inclusive nature and OED editors always have their ear to the ground.

After all who would have thought that the humble “chuddies”, a term used in the most informal way and loathed by the prim and propah would be bestowed with such honour. It’s worth noting how popular culture plays a vital role in expanding our understanding of cultures.

That, in turn, makes people more open to foreign influences. The word “adda”, a favourite pastime of the Bengalis who love to while way their time in seemingly endless discussions, similarly ambled its way into the pages of the dictionary.

English allows one linguistic stratum to blend with another. It’s journey from the earliest influences of Greek and Latin also underscores a vital phenomenon: No language or culture can survive in isolation. It’s always a two-way traffic.

Indian languages too have welcomed English words into their fold by breaking down barriers of insularity. The Queen’s language, no longer the preserve of the elite, is getting more earthy. Let’s cheers to that!