What it means
Bakwaas is what you call pure nonsense, rubbish, or chat that's not worth a single brain cell. In Indian English it lands hard when someone's excuse is flimsy, their story's clearly made up, or they're just yapping for the sake of hearing themselves. Say it with the right face and it can kill a conversation on impact.
Usage examples
"Arre yaar, what bakwaas excuse is this? You were online the whole time, just say you did not want to come"
"Arre yaar, this whole pre-wedding planning is total bakwaas, three meetings in one week and nobody can decide on the menu, my cousin is ready to fight everyone in the family."
"Did you see the new property show on TV, complete bakwaas, they had a so-called expert in Mumbai talking about flat prices that have not been real since two thousand twelve."
"He's been giving full bakwaas since the meeting started, not one useful point and somehow still so much confidence."
"Don't send me that bakwaas apology at 2 am after disappearing all week, at least lie with some effort."
Voice comments
No one has left their voice yet. Break the ice.
Where it comes from
Bakwaas comes from Hindi and Urdu bakwaas or bakvās, meaning nonsense, idle talk, or rubbish. It moved straight into everyday Indian English through constant mixing between languages, so loads of speakers use it naturally in English sentences now without it feeling borrowed or marked at all.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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