Signification
Something that is trivial or of no value.
Contexte culturel
Salt is considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. Spilling salt is often seen as a bad omen, and giving salt at night is sometimes avoided in traditional households. This idiom uses that high value of salt to show how truly worthless something is if it can't even match it. The 'Uumanar' were ancient salt merchants in the Tamil region. They traveled in caravans to trade salt for grain. This idiom likely originated from their market interactions where quality control was vital. The phrase 'Uppitta varai ullavum ninai' (Remember the one who fed you) shows that salt is the essence of a meal and a relationship. To call something 'without salt' (uppu-p-perāthathu) is to say it lacks the 'soul' of human connection. Tamil comedians like Goundamani and Vivek often use this phrase to mock 'villains' who have petty motives or to dismiss silly side-characters.
The 'Vishayam' Rule
If you aren't sure how to use it, just pair it with 'vishayam' (matter). 'Uppu-p-perāthathu vishayam' is the most common way to use it.
Don't be too rude
Using this about someone's hard work can be very hurtful. Use it for situations, not people's efforts.
Signification
Something that is trivial or of no value.
The 'Vishayam' Rule
If you aren't sure how to use it, just pair it with 'vishayam' (matter). 'Uppu-p-perāthathu vishayam' is the most common way to use it.
Don't be too rude
Using this about someone's hard work can be very hurtful. Use it for situations, not people's efforts.
The 'P' sound
Make sure to emphasize the double 'p' (ப்) sound. It makes you sound like a native speaker!
Teste-toi
Choose the best context to use 'உப்புப் பெறாதது'.
In which situation would you say 'உப்புப் பெறாத விஷயம்'?
Arguments over a TV remote are trivial and petty, making them the perfect fit for this idiom.
Fill in the missing letters to complete the idiom.
அவர்கள் ஒரு உ_்_ுப் பெ_ா_த காரணத்திற்காக சண்டை போடுகிறார்கள்.
The correct spelling is உப்புப் பெறாத (Uppu-p-perāthatha).
Match the phrase to the correct reaction.
If someone tells you an 'உப்புப் பெறாத கதை' (worthless story), what is your likely reaction?
A worthless story is boring and insignificant, so you would likely want the speaker to stop.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'இந்த பழைய போன் 100 ரூபாய்க்கு கூட போகாது.' B: 'ஆமாம், இது ஒரு _______ பொருள்.'
Since the phone is worth less than 100 rupees, it is described as 'worthless' (உப்புப் பெறாத).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Value Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIn which situation would you say 'உப்புப் பெறாத விஷயம்'?
Arguments over a TV remote are trivial and petty, making them the perfect fit for this idiom.
அவர்கள் ஒரு உ_்_ுப் பெ_ா_த காரணத்திற்காக சண்டை போடுகிறார்கள்.
The correct spelling is உப்புப் பெறாத (Uppu-p-perāthatha).
If someone tells you an 'உப்புப் பெறாத கதை' (worthless story), what is your likely reaction?
A worthless story is boring and insignificant, so you would likely want the speaker to stop.
A: 'இந்த பழைய போன் 100 ரூபாய்க்கு கூட போகாது.' B: 'ஆமாம், இது ஒரு _______ பொருள்.'
Since the phone is worth less than 100 rupees, it is described as 'worthless' (உப்புப் பெறாத).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds strange. For food, use 'Uppu illai' (No salt) or 'Uppu sappu illai' (Tasteless).
It's dismissive, but not a 'curse word.' It's like saying 'That's silly' or 'That's peanuts.'
Yes, it is widely understood in all Tamil dialects, though some regions might prefer 'Pirayōsanam atra' (Useless).
There isn't a direct 'salt' opposite, but you could say 'Vilaimathippatra' (Priceless) or 'Mikka mukkiyamaana' (Very important).
Yes, but it's very insulting. It means the person is worthless or good-for-nothing.
It is usually written as two words with a joining 'p': உப்புப் பெறாதது.
Yes! It's a great way to start using figurative language in daily life.
It can mean 'cheap' in quality, but for 'cheap' in price, we usually say 'maliivaana'.
Because salt was historically a very important and valuable commodity in India.
No, it is too informal. Use 'mukkiyathuvamatra' instead.
Expressions liées
உப்புச் சப்பற்ற
similarBland or tasteless
கிள்ளுக்கீரை
similarSomething very easy to pluck/handle
அற்பமான
synonymTrivial
தூசி
similarDust
குப்பை
contrastTrash
