Signification
Boasting or speaking arrogantly.
Contexte culturel
In Kerala, humility is a highly guarded virtue. Publicly boasting about wealth or success is often seen as 'bad form'. 'Valiya Varthamanam' is the linguistic tool used by the community to keep individuals grounded. The 'braggart' character is a staple in Malayalam comedy. Actors like Sreenivasan have built entire careers playing characters who engage in 'Valiya Varthamanam' only to be humiliated later. Parents use this phrase to maintain the hierarchy between generations. It's a way of saying 'You haven't seen enough of the world to speak like this yet.' There is a specific cultural trope of the 'Gulf-returnee' who comes back to the village and speaks 'Valiya Varthamanam' about their life abroad, which is often met with local skepticism.
Use with 'Sarcasm'
This phrase is most effective when said with a slight roll of the eyes or a sarcastic tone.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if your boss is bragging, saying this to them will likely get you fired. It's too informal and critical.
Signification
Boasting or speaking arrogantly.
Use with 'Sarcasm'
This phrase is most effective when said with a slight roll of the eyes or a sarcastic tone.
Don't use with Bosses
Even if your boss is bragging, saying this to them will likely get you fired. It's too informal and critical.
The 'Thallu' Alternative
If you are talking to people under 25, use 'Thallu' instead of 'Valiya Varthamanam' to sound more 'cool' and current.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
അവൻ എപ്പോഴും പണത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ______ പറയുന്നു.
The context of 'always talking about money' implies boasting, which is 'Valiya Varthamanam'.
Which situation best describes 'Valiya Varthamanam'?
Choose the correct scenario:
Boasting about impossible or unverified skills is the definition of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Ramu: 'ഞാൻ അടുത്ത വർഷം ഒരു കൊട്ടാരം പണിയും.' Somu: 'നിന്റെ ഈ ______ നിർത്ത്!'
Somu is deflating Ramu's unrealistic claim of building a palace.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'മുതിർന്നവരോട് വലിയ വർത്തമാനം പറയരുത്' to its meaning:
In a family context, it refers to a lack of humility or respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesഅവൻ എപ്പോഴും പണത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ______ പറയുന്നു.
The context of 'always talking about money' implies boasting, which is 'Valiya Varthamanam'.
Choose the correct scenario:
Boasting about impossible or unverified skills is the definition of the idiom.
Ramu: 'ഞാൻ അടുത്ത വർഷം ഒരു കൊട്ടാരം പണിയും.' Somu: 'നിന്റെ ഈ ______ നിർത്ത്!'
Somu is deflating Ramu's unrealistic claim of building a palace.
Match 'മുതിർന്നവരോട് വലിയ വർത്തമാനം പറയരുത്' to its meaning:
In a family context, it refers to a lack of humility or respect.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questions90% of the time, yes. It implies the person is lying or being arrogant. Occasionally, it's used playfully with children.
Only if you are being self-deprecating. E.g., 'ഞാൻ വലിയ വർത്തമാനം പറയുകയല്ല...' (I'm not bragging, but...)
'Pongacham' is the act of bragging. 'Valiya Varthamanam' is the specific 'big talk' that constitutes the bragging.
No, it's an idiom for spoken language. In formal writing, use 'Pragalbhamaya' or 'Athishayokthi'.
If they are right, you might say 'അല്ല, ഇത് സത്യമാണ്' (No, this is true). If they are teasing, just laugh!
No, 'Varthamanam' is used as an uncountable noun in this context.
No. For a long book, use 'Valiya Pusthakam'. This idiom is strictly for speech behavior.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Malayalam dialects.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'Adakkam' (restraint) or 'Vinayam' (humility) are the opposite concepts.
Yes, it's very common to use it for political promises that seem unrealistic.
Expressions liées
പൊങ്ങച്ചം പറയുക
synonymTo brag or boast.
വാചകമടി
similarEmpty talk or smooth talking.
തള്ളൽ
slangExaggerating (literally 'pushing').
അഹങ്കാരം
builds onArrogance/Ego.
