14/05/2026
It is a common tendency with we Indians to mock others' proficiency in English as a second language. Rather than mocking those who may not be fully familiar with certain linguistic nuances, it is more productive to offer constructive corrections. Many individuals have, at some point, been targeted for "Indianisms"—literal translations or regional variations of English—which highlights the need for a more supportive approach to language learning.
​Here are 10 common mistakes with Indian ism in English. I hope this helps.
​✅Side, please. Which side? Right or left? No, neither of those. Read: Excuse me. Let me go.
âś…This is nice, no? Yes, it is nice. No, there's no denying it.
âś…Nice goggles/glares: It's sunglasses in other parts of the English-speaking world.
âś…Years back: Not ago, but years back. That's what happens when you mothball the dictionary.
âś…Shut the fan/light: You mean switch off, right?
âś…Sleep is coming: Sometimes literal translations that convey what you mean are as precious as sleep itself.
âś…Don't eat my head: Can I eat your hand then? Or leg? I will not eat your head if you tell me I should not be so annoying. It's- Stop bothering me
✅Biodata: It is résumé and curriculum vitae (for freshers) - Not biodata.
âś…Auntie: Auntie is not even a word in the dictionary. It is aunt. But, in India, anyone slightly older is 'auntie'.
âś…Revert back: Because that's what everyone writes in e-mails. Well, according to The Free Dictionary, 'revert' means 'to reply to someone'.
