Signification
A person considered to be insignificant or of no value.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a staple in 'Angry Young Man' movies of the 70s and 80s. It represents the common man's rebellion against corrupt power. Cowrie shells were used as currency in India for over 2000 years, especially in Bengal and Odisha. Their low value made them perfect for metaphors about worthlessness. While the phrase is an insult, it also reflects deep-seated class biases where people's worth was historically tied to their wealth or caste. In the age of Twitter (X) and Instagram, this idiom has seen a revival in political 'roasting' and meme culture in India.
High Intensity
This is a strong insult. Only use it if you are prepared for a very negative reaction.
Gender Agreement
Always remember: 'ka' for men, 'ki' for women, 'ke' for groups.
Signification
A person considered to be insignificant or of no value.
High Intensity
This is a strong insult. Only use it if you are prepared for a very negative reaction.
Gender Agreement
Always remember: 'ka' for men, 'ki' for women, 'ke' for groups.
Movie Context
Watch 70s Bollywood movies to see how this phrase is used to show 'moral victory'.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the idiom for a feminine subject.
वह औरत ______ है।
Since 'aurat' is feminine, the possessive marker must be 'ki'.
Fill in the blank to complete the idiom.
उसने झूठ बोलकर अपनी इज़्ज़त मिट्टी में मिला दी, वह अब सबकी नज़रों में ______ कौड़ी का आदमी है।
The standard idiom uses 'do' (two).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this idiom?
Select the best context:
This is an informal insult used in conflict or to show disdain.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesवह औरत ______ है।
Since 'aurat' is feminine, the possessive marker must be 'ki'.
उसने झूठ बोलकर अपनी इज़्ज़त मिट्टी में मिला दी, वह अब सबकी नज़रों में ______ कौड़ी का आदमी है।
The standard idiom uses 'do' (two).
Select the best context:
This is an informal insult used in conflict or to show disdain.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a 'curse' or 'profanity' in the literal sense, but it is a very strong and rude insult.
Yes, just change it to 'do kauri ki aurat'.
Not necessarily. It usually means they have no character or integrity, even if they are rich.
It is a cowrie shell, which was used as the smallest unit of money in ancient India.
Only if you have a very close relationship where you 'roast' each other. Otherwise, it might be taken seriously.
The closest equivalents are 'a nobody', 'a lowlife', or 'not worth a dime'.
No, it's a synonym. 'Taka' is just another old currency unit.
Yes, 'do kauri ki cheez' means a cheap or worthless item.
In many languages, 'two' of a small unit (like 'two cents') is used to imply a minimal, almost non-existent value.
No, it is strictly informal/colloquial.
Expressions liées
दो टके का आदमी
synonymA person worth two 'takas' (another old currency).
ऐरा-गैरा नत्थू-खैरा
similarAny ordinary or unimportant person.
मिट्टी का माधो
similarA very simple or stupid person.
बड़ा आदमी
contrastA big/important/rich person.
