India's unofficial vocabulary: A study on the art of the gaali

Time of India

4 hours ago

A new study published by
Rediffusion
's ICYMI platform and based on data from Prof. Sunil Jaglan's long-running "Gali Band Campaign" (2014-2025), has mapped India's relationship with its most colorful language. The data reveals that these words are not simply insults; they are deeply ingrained in our culture, serving as expressions of frustration, affection, and sometimes, just plain habit. The research shows that a significant portion of the population uses them, with a national average of 55 per cent of Indians admitting to using
gaalis
. This means more than one in every two people across the country, from classrooms to dining tables, use them.
What is a gaali, really?
In India, a
gaali
is more than a cuss word—it's a tool for emotional expression. It can be a way to vent frustration, a term of endearment, or a way to bond socially. The intent, tone, and context often matter more than the word itself. For example, a seemingly harsh word like "
saala
" or "
gadha
" can be used playfully between friends. The data suggests that in places like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, these words are not just spoken, but "felt," and are an integral part of everyday conversation.
The influence of pop culture
The study points to the rise of color television in the 1990s as a significant turning point. As cinema and cricket became more accessible, street slang and profanity found their way into mainstream entertainment. Bollywood films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Delhi Belly turned
gaalis
into punchlines and plot devices, making them seem cool and relatable. This trend was further amplified by cricket, where stump microphones captured outbursts from players, transforming these moments into viral clips that became a "soundtrack to Indian aggression and passion."
A regional breakdown of linguistic aggression
The report also provides a detailed breakdown of
gaali
usage across different regions. North India tops the list with an average of 69 per cent, showing how deeply embedded this culture is. Delhi leads the charge at 80 per cent, followed closely by Punjab at 78 per cent, and Uttar Pradesh and Bihar both at 74 per cent.
In contrast, other regions show different tendencies. West India has an average of 49 per cent, with Maharashtra at 58 per cent and Gujarat at 55 per cent, while Goa is lower at 44 per cent. East India averages 45 per cent, and South India has a relatively lower average of 41 per cent. In the South, swearing is often described as more nuanced and less aggressive. The Islands, including Andaman and Lakshadweep, have a low average of 18.6 per cent, and the Northeast maintains the cleanest language in the country with an average of just 17 per cent. This could be due to respect-based cultures and tribal values.
The study concludes that
gaalis
are not just a form of aggression; they are "social signatures" that reflect the moods, surroundings, and regions of those who use them. This complex relationship with language raises a question for all: are
gaalis
harmless banter, or a habit worth breaking?