All-purpose exclamation of dismay, sympathy, or mild despair. Entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016, which surprised nobody who lives here.

Aiyo, keys-ah veetla vitutten.

Impressive in a loud, crowd-pleasing way. Borrowed from film marketing and now applied to everything from an entrance to a biryani.

Andha climax scene mass da, theatre-e kalambiduchu.

Do not disturb, do not spoil it. Said when a mood, a plan or a nap is going well and someone is about to ruin it.

Nalla thoongitu irunthen, kalaikaadhe.

Alcohol. Literally goods or merchandise — the deliberate vagueness is the point, since it lets you discuss it in front of family.

Weekend sarakku scene-ah? Naan sweet-ah irupen.

Chatterbox, someone who talks without pause. Feminine form by grammar, used broadly in practice. Not a compliment, but rarely a serious insult.

Antha vaayadi kitta sollaadha, oorukke theriyum.

Spot on, exactly right, perfectly timed. The sound of something landing where it should. Often doubled — nachu nachu — for emphasis.

Nee sonna answer nachu-nu irunthuchu.

Head, leader, boss. Respect term for someone senior or admired. Also a specific actor, depending on who you ask and how strongly they feel.

Thala, oru help venum.

Rubbish, useless, poor quality. Literally a tin box. Applied to films, phones, arguments and people with equal enthusiasm.

Antha padam full dabba, ticket money waste.

Sharp, well-turned-out, looking good. Usually about clothes or grooming rather than the person underneath.

Sokka-ah dress panniruka, kalyanam-ah?

Bragging, showing off with no substance behind it. Peela vidurathu is to talk yourself up. The listener is expected to see through it.

Avan peela vidura alavuku work panniruntha company vaangiruppan.