Colloquial Tamil words like "Anda Pulugu, Agasa Pulugu (Blatant lie)" and "quarter kadai (liqour shop)," have quietly found their way to the campaign speeches of leaders like DMK treasurer MK Stalin and PMK chief ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss.
The trend is quite significant as Tamil Nadu is a state where leaders of parties have risen in their political careers on the strength of their oratory skills fuelled by use of chaste Tamil, peppered with apt quotes from ancient Tamil literature.
Against the backdrop of such a history, leaders now use words and phrases that could help them connect quickly with the electorate, especially the youth who often use such words.
Stalin, in his campaigns, repeatedly uses words like "Anda Pulugu, agasa pulugu (blatant lie)," to trash claims of ruling AIADMK over several issues.
Referring to the ruling party's poll manifesto, he alleges "Amma arikkai oru dummy arikkai (AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa's poll manifesto is a dummy document)."
Top PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, addressing villagers at Mangapatti near here, tells them that he would shut down "quarter kadais" -- a reference to state-run liquor outlets.
Such shops are colloquially called "Tasmac" or "quarter kadais." He eschewed words like "madhupana kadai", a standard usage for liquor shops.
Notably, his spoken language completely reflected people's lingo, devoid of any flowery words or metaphors.
He punctuates his speech with "sonthangaley (kinsmen)" and "nanbargaley (friends)" -- words in everyday use. Even while urging them not to elect AIADMK or DMK to power, he uses an everyday phrase.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
