Popular Lucknow Slangs and What They Mean
If you’ve ever walked through the bustling streets of Lucknow, there’s a good chance you’ve overheard a few words that made you stop and think,“Yeh kya bola?” That’s because the people of Lucknow have a way of speaking that goes beyond plain Hindi or Urdu. It’s a unique blend of culture, sarcasm, and sweetness, all tied together by what we call the Lucknow Slangs.
In this blog, let’s explore the most iconic Lucknow slangs, what they actually mean, and where they originally came from.
1. “Bhaiyya, Tehzeeb Se Baat Kijiye”
We can’t talk about Lucknowi language without talking about tehzeeb. This Lucknow slang word itself means etiquette or grace, and in Lucknow culture, it’s everything. Even when people argue, they do it in a polite tone. If someone feels you’re being rude or blunt, they’ll say, “Tehzeeb se baat kijiye”, a gentle reminder to be respectful.
The tehzeeb of Lucknow is so deeply rooted that even the street slang in Lucknow sounds charming.
2. “Pura Lucknow Mat Ghumaiye”
If someone says “Pura Lucknow mat ghumaiye”, they don’t want a city tour. This Lucknow Slangs means “stop beating around the bush.” It’s a witty phrase used when someone is taking too long to come to the point.
This expression likely comes from the winding mohallas of Lucknow, where routes are long and confusing. Over time, this turned into a metaphor for unnecessary storytelling.
Such traditional phrases of Lucknow city reflect how geography and lifestyle influenced the Lucknowi expressions we still use today.
3. “Janaab, Bade Nawabi Hain Aap”
When someone’s acting too royal or too lazy, they might hear, “Bade Nawabi hain aap”. This is classic Lucknowi sarcasm.
The word Nawab here refers to the Nawabs of Awadh, especially Wajid Ali Shah, who was known for his Nawabi lifestyle and love for music, poetry, and indulgence. The slang is often used to tease people who expect royal treatment without doing anything.
This shows how Lucknow heritage and history sneak into daily conversations even today.
4. “Setting Hai Kya?”
Now this one is modern but totally Lucknowi in its flavor. When someone says “Setting hai kya?”, they’re not talking about a date, they’re asking if you have jugaad or contacts to get things done.
From getting exam centers changed to fixing a bike without waiting, if you know someone, you’ve got setting. It’s used widely among students and shopkeepers and reflects the jugaad culture that has crept into Lucknowi language in recent times.
5. “Tunday Kebab Wala Tunday Nahi Hai”
This is more of a cultural warning than a slang, but it’s worth including. You’ll often hear locals say, “Tunday kebab wala Tunday nahi hai toh asli nahi hai.”
It refers to the legendary Tunday Kababi of Old Lucknow and how many duplicate stalls try to use the same name. For a true Lucknowi, food is part of identity and heritage and authenticity matter a lot.
So yes, even food contributes to the local words used in Lucknow.
Why These Slangs Matter
The beauty of these Lucknow slangs is that they aren’t just phrases, they are cultural artefacts. Each slang carries pieces of Lucknow’s linguistic heritage, its poetry, its history of Nawabs, and its streets filled with chai tapris and laughter.
They also tell us how Lucknow culture has evolved, from royal courts to student hostels, and how the Hindi Urdu mix language still survives, in a way that’s warm, witty, and full of charm.
Final Thoughts
The next time someone says “Pura Lucknow mat ghumaiye” or “Setting hai kya?”, take a moment to appreciate how deep and layered Lucknowi expressions are. These phrases aren’t just used for fun, they are passed down generations and are still thriving in schools, homes, markets, and even social media.
So tell us in the comments , which Lucknow Slangs do you use the most? And as they say in Lucknow, “Janaab, aap toh bade blog-wale lagte hain!”
