Etymology of Chennai Tamil Lexicon

Quite often, I have wondered what our famous Chennai Tamil lingo words really meant, and their origin.

Result? I have tried my hand at deciphering them etymologically. here they go. Feel free to add to this   list.

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Dabaa - தபா- Meaning " number of times" - Derived from Tamil தடவை or Urdu दफ़ा , all meaning the same.

Bejaar  - பேஜார் - Meaning "problem" Derived from Urdu बेजार of the same meaning


Ghaleej - கலீஜ் - Meaning Dirty- Derived from the Kannada word galeej ಗಲೀಜ್

Kasmaalam- கஸ்மாலம் - Meaning dirty - derived from the Sanskrit word Kasmalam कश्मलं

Bemaani - பேமானி - Meaning dishonest - derived from the Hindi word Be-Imani बेइमानी.

Bagilu - பகிலு - Meaning hip and nearby regions - derived from Hindi/ urdu बगल.

Bigilu - பிகிலு - Meaning whistle - derived from the English word whistle

Bajaari - பஜாரி- Meaning a cheap woman - derived from Hindi/ Urdu बाजारी

Dhool - தூள-  Meaning "busted out" - derived from Tamil துகள்  or Hindi/ Urdu धुल

Galaata - கலாட்டா - Meaning chaos - Possibly Persian/ Turkish. A suburb of Istanbul called Galatta has nightclubs and boisterous music.

Gujili - குஜிலி - Meaning an attractive girl - derived from the Hindi word कुजली , meaning ticklish

Joot - ஜூட்- Meaning "escape" - derived from Hindi छूट which means " to leave".

Reactions to the Diesel price hike

Here could be a list of purely imaginary reactions from our Netas on the recent hike in prices of Diesel.

Digvijay Singh - Rahul Gandhi did not take this unpleasant decision. If you need to blame someone, then blame me.

Mamta Banerjee - No, we were not consulted on this anti-farmer hike. The decision has been taken by Maoist supporters.

Karunanidhi - This is a conspiracy of "Ammaiyar" ( Jaya), and is anti-Tamil. We completely oppose this, but will not leave the government under any circumstances.

CPI(M) - we will take to the streets to pressurize the government to roll this back, but we will not topple the government under any circumstances that could pave the way for "communal forces".

Sushilkumar Shinde ( or any other incumbent Home minister) : This is a conspiracy to de-stabilize the country, from across the border.

Nitish Kumar: We strongly oppose this, but want only a "secular" leader from the BJP to become the next PM.

Mulayam Singh Yadav: We oppose this, but want all elephant statues ( including those in temples) to be brought down, along with Diesel prices.

Narendra Modi : We will make our own diesel, and take Gujarat down the path of prosperity. Come to Gujarat!

Arun Jaitley: We want the government to be accountable in the parliament - but we will not let the parliament function. 

Omar Abdullah : This hike will strongly destabilize Kashmir and make the terrorists' job redundant. We need to be more humane to them.

Jayalalitha: This is a conspiracy of Karunanidhi. His party is part of the government, and is actually promoting this, much to the detriment of Tamils.

Dr. Manmohan: ..........................................................................................................(yawn)

Matter and anti-matter in the Upanishads

I have been prompted to write on matter and anti-matter as it is enunciated in the Hindu sciptures. I am listing down some of the verses from the Upansidhas that I had read at different points of time.

According to Taitriya Upanishad,

"Tasmat va etasmat atmana akasas sambhutah" (Chap 2.1.1): "From this Universal Atman, space emanated"

Space is actually the negation of the infinity of Brahman. Infinity does not mean extension or dimension – but space is extension, dimension, distance. So, immediately a contradiction is introduced at the very beginning of the concept of creation. God is negated, as it were, for various reasons, the moment creation is conceived, one reason being that the creation appears as an external manifestation, whereas God – Brahman – is the Universal Existence.

In fact, interestingly, the word Brhaman (Brhama, crudely put, as in"the Creator") in Sanskrit is derived from the root Bhr..  which literally means "that which expands". The Thanajvur deity is called "Brughadeeswarar". Taken literally, it means "big temple" ( தஞ்சை பெரிய கோயில்). The deeper meaning of this is that the Lord is all pervasive, in the sense that He fills the ever expanding universe.

According to Bruhadaranyaka Upanishad,

"naiveha kiṁcanᾱgra ᾱsīt, mṛtyunaivedam ᾱvṛtam ᾱsīt, aśanᾱyayᾱ, aśanᾱyᾱ hi mṛtyuḥ; tan mano'kuruta ᾱtmanvī syᾱm iti. so'rcann acarat, tasyᾱrcata. ᾱpojᾱyanta, arcate vai me kam abhῡd iti; tad evᾱrkasya arkatvam; kaṁ ha vᾱ asmai bhavati, ya evam etad arkasya arkatvaṁ veda."

Originally, there was nothing. Death was enveloping everything. That is all the meaning, literally, of this sentence. In the beginning of things, what was there? Nothing was there. There was a devouring, all-consuming death principle, as it were; nothing else can we conceive.

In Prashna Upanshad, the very first question that Kabandhi asks is -  What is the root cause of this world? In fact, Kabandhi's question is literally "From where (which root) these people are born ?" For which, Sage Pippalada answers as if the question were asked about the root cause of the world. He says that Prajapati created a union of Prana and Rayi in order to create world and their intermixing or mating produced all the things in the world. Max Müller has apparently translated this union as Spirit and Matter. The spirit portion roughly equates to anti-matter.

A very interesting story in the  Chandogya Upanishad is reporduced below. It is a brief dialogue between the father (Udhalaka) and his son (Svetaketu).

One day, while discussing the meaning of Sat (the Being), Chit (the Consciousness) and Anand (the eternal Bliss), and the origin and evolution of the world (planet earth), Svetaketu asks his father, how could this ‘world’ with all its multitudinous variety of living and non-living forms be produced in this simple way?

Prompted by his son’s question, Udhalaka asked him –

“Fetch me a fruit, lying on the ground, of the Nyagrodha (peepal or pipal) tree”.

“Here is one, Sir”, said Svetaketu.

“Break it and let me know what you find therein, son”, said Udhalaka.

“I see some tiny seeds, Sir”, answered Svetaketu.

“Crush one of the seeds, son”, asked the father.

“Yes, Sir, I have done it so, Sir”, answered the son.

“What do you see therein, son?”, asked the father.

“Nothing, Sir”, said Svetaketu.

“Yet in that subtle substance that is hardly visible to the naked eye, exists the awesome potential that can produce this huge Nyagrodha tree with many large branches bearing leaves, flowers and fruits”, said the aged and experienced father. Do you wonder at it, son? Likewise, all that exists in this universe was potentially in the Sat, dear son, and thou art That. Believe it, said father. Further, he philosophized with a profound saying, “out of nothing, only nothing can come; non-being cannot produce being, much less could consciousness come out of nothing”. Believe me son that “the causeless beginning, as the sage says, was, in fact, the Sat or Being with consciousness”.

To cap this, Stephen Hawkins, in his book "The Origin of Everything" admits , and I quote.

“Science may solve the problem of how the universe was formed, it cannot, however, answer, why the universe bother to exist? May be only God can answer that”.

Mendeleev's Periodic Table Expanded

All about the path-breaking (completely imaginary) new wonder element that has created a flutter in scientific circles... read on...

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The buzz in the Nerdy circles is that Dmitri Mendeleev's Periodic Table is likely to be expanded, with the addition of a new element.

The element, soon to be added under Group 18 (noble gas), has been coded MS ( for want of consistency, the second letter, as per convention will be in small caps, going forward). It is now understood that scientists have been observing the behaviour of this rare element since the Financial crisis in India in 1991.

Key Characteristics of Ms:

First things first. Ms has been included under "Noble Gas" category. The reasons are manifold. Ms has been accorded "noble" ( read: clean) status by the media over the last 8 years. Also,  Ms has been closely linked with economists, and the incidental gaseous nature of it straightaway makes it's way to the Noble Gas group 18.

But what really seals it's place is the fact that like many of it's peers in the group it is an INERT GAS. It is amply clear now that Ms does not bond with any other element or compound, whatever the pressure or temperature may be. The equanimity of Ms has confounded the Scientific community, who now suspect that, in fact, there may be no internal bonds either. In other words, Ms redefines the word Inert.

Invention:

Ms was invented in 2004, by a Congress of scientists who specialize in dealing with inert elements. At that time, the congress was looking for a possible new element that can absorb any amount of pressure or heat without reacting physically or chemically ( or emotionally, for that matter). The congress of scientists wanted a new element which can be quickly branded into the Noble category, and can remain inert for a long time, and invented Ms in the process. Ms has truly vindicated their expectations by remaining inert for 8 long years thus far.

Properties:

1. Tasteless, odourless, colourless.
2. Is fully resistant to heat and pressure of any magnitude.
3. Highly protective of foreign elements.
4. Continues to be "noble" in spite of things all around it falling apart.
5. Zero emotional quotient

Other keys observations:

1. It realizes that high energy levels are not good, and therefore has successfully moved the economy back to "Hindu rate of growth", ie, from close to 9% growth to 5% in 3 years flat. This singular achievement of Ms has been lauded in a recent convention of the scientists in New Delhi to commemorate the completion of 8 years at the helm. It is now surmised that the scientists may be working overtime to reduce it further to zero percent over the remaining two years.
2. Ms never gets associated with any element, under any circumstance - even where it is desperately required to. After all, it wants to retain it's "noble" status forever.
3. Whenever there is an attack on the system ( nation), Ms gives the customary " we will not keep quiet" statement- and then goes back to it's noble status until the next unfortunate event.

Uses:

The uses of Ms has been established beyond doubt. There are unfounded rumours of moving Ms to a new system in Raisina Hill.

The public are encouraged to suggest new uses and applications of this wonder element, Ms.

Economic State of affairs of Countries in Simplified English Grammar

If someone asks you to describe the economic state of affairs of countries in as few words as possible, how would you do that?

Well, I tried my hand at taking the help of English Grammer, and here are the results:

USA                                                                                                                 - Past Perfect
(Has a great recent past, economically, but future looks bleak)


Eurozone                                                                                                          - Present Tense
(Going through hell right now)

China                                                                                                                - Future Tense
(I think it is going to be a tense future there)

India                                                                                                                  - Hyperbole
(Too much talk by Govt, and precious little by way of action)

Dubai                                                                                                                - Full stop
(Went full throttle and abruptly stopped)

Singapore                                                                                                         - Exclamation
(Wow! What a growth fora tiny nation!)

USA and China's mutual dependence                                                              - Paired Construction
( One cannot survive without the other, for now)

Bernanke's testimony to Congress                                                                   - Figure of speech
(His speeches are full of figures, but nothing else of substance)

Greece continuing in Eurozone                                                                        - Etymology
(Etymology in Greek literally means " putting dissimilar things together)

Obama's State of the Union Address                                                                 - Rhetorical punctuation
( Full of rhetorics like " let us change the world"... nothing has changed)

Pranab Mukherjee saying " austerity measures needed" ahead of raising taxes  - pre-position
(Warning to people to be prapred for more taxes, so that corrupt netas can continue to swindle even more)

Eurozone crisis along side American economic collapse                                    - Conjunction
(They always seem to happen in pair - the rise or fall)

The US Govt indulging in Quantitative Easing  to stop the economic rot           - Interjection
( Desperate bid to halt the momentum of economic decadence)

Sachin refuses to retire

THE SACHIN - INDIA'S (imaginary) NATIONAL NEWSPAPER

39 years young and still going strong.


Mumbai : March 25, 2012


At a news conference held in Mumbai today Sachin Tendulkar today dropped a bombshell by categorically stating that he will not retire from International cricket until the UPA2 actually starts governing the country. This comes close on the heels of a statement today by MP Mani Shankar Iyer that the growth of India is next only to that of China, over the last 5 years. It is a well known fact that various sections of the cricketing fraternity, the media and the public have been speculating on the possible retirement of Sachin. Some sections have even been making veiled suggestions on the timing of it. Sachin had been ducking all such suggestions like the many bouncers that he has effectively evaded all his career ( see sample clip)

Sachin  recently crossed two personal milestones of a century of centuries, and a century of ducking bouncers like the clip above, both in the same match against World champions Bangladesh. He has, of late, been as innovative in finding reasons not to retire as some of his shots in the field.  Realizing that there are no milestones to go after anymore, Sachin had been looking for a truly impossible event to benchmark his retirement announcement against.

As a consequence, he has come up today with this rather challenging milestone that many believe is unlikely.

Reactions from all walks of life have been swift.

Pakistani Cricket hero Imran Khan today said that Inzamam-ul-Haq is better than Sachin anyday and that not even he could make the Pakistani governments work effectively, and that therefore Sachin is doomed to fail in his efforts.

Ravi Shastri appealed to Primer Minister Singh not to deprive TVchannels of business, by giving even a remote chance for Sachin to actually retire through even a semblance of governance. The Prime minister in return assured the nation that no such mishap will ever occur, and that the UPA2 will grow from strength to strength in it's endeavour to set new records in non-governance. The eminent economist that he is, the PM also revealed that the good work of the UPA2 will give rise to a new economic phenomenon called " INACTIVITY-BASED COSTING"  that will serve as a role model for future governments across the world.

Shahrukh Khan today told his good friend Kunder " I need a RAW ONE today man"....   in an obvious mood to celebrate the announcement of Sachin.

Meanwhile, DIG-YOUR-OWN GRAVE Vijay Singh was happy with Sachin's announcement. Paying obeisance to the Gandhi family, Singh said "Sachin's announcement today gives Rahulji at least another decade to learn from his poll trounces, and hopefully prepare to rule India". Singh complimented Madam Sony-a ji for her vision in persuading Sachin to stay on by assuring him that her mere presence will make sure that the UPA2 does not even attempt to commit that grave mistake called governance.

Meanwhile the aspiring MPs were upset with this announcement. They lamented that Sachin's actions could result in total lack of governance by the Congress  and that is reason enough for them to be voted back to power. Many of these BJP members are sitting MLAs, and were fondly hoping to change their venue of watching porn from the Assembly to the Parliament, and are now deeply upset that this is unlikely in the near future.

The Samajwadi party was quick with a new demand that the minorities be allotted at least 50% of the centuries that Sachin scores from now on. When politely reminded that that is not possible, since  all centuries that Sachin scroes will only go against his name, they blamed Mayawati for this mess.

Meanwhile, in a shocking and open threat, Anna Hazare has threatened to go on an indefinite hunger-strike in Shivaji Park, Mumbai in protest against Ramakant Achrekar for coaching Sachin - an event that has now enabled the UPA2 hold on to power. When reminded politely that Annasahib was actually getting confused between the cause and the effect, a member of Team Anna, Kiran Bedi, who flew into Mumbai in Economy Class by Kingfisher Airlines, thundered  " who cares? We need the Lokpal in the form and shape that we want; if that does not happen, we will not be afraid of unleashing many more  Sachins on this government".

Don't Blame Rahul, Blame me!

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The prince campaigned extensively in UP. Had lunch at the poor farmer's house many a time. Tore election manifestos apart- quite literally. Called for "change". Nothing moved the UP voter. His allegiance to SP/ BSP continues- as per exit polls. Moving faster than the eager hen taking the gullible chick under it's wings to protect him from the vultures, "Don't blame Rahul; blame me!" screamed Dig-your-own-grave Vijay Singh.

The emperor in waiting has been portrayed as the face of the nation in the election campaigns, and vowed to swing UP back to the Congress fold. The voter is unmoved- as per exit polls. "Don't Blame Rahul; blame me!" screamed Rita Bahuguna. The many-virtued lady.

The Yuvraj has been criticised for being unable to make a single speech of substance in the parliament, in his capacity as MP and prince-in-waiting. "Don't blame Rahul; blame me!" screamed minister Narayanaswamy. Narayana, the protector.

The crowds sure throng to his public rallies in UP, but that is unlikely to translate into votes- as per exit polls. "Don't blame Rahul; blame me!" screamed Salman Khurshid. The shining sun, indeed.

All this collective munificence  rather confounded me, as I retired to my bed.

His girlfriend announced she is pregnant. "Don't blame Rahul........."  HEY STOP STOP STOP!!!!!

Phew, what a dream it was!!!