Signification
To deceive or fool someone.
Contexte culturel
The 'Kāthukuthu' is often performed at the temple of the family deity (Kula Deivam). It is a major social event where the maternal uncle plays a central role. The idiom is also used in Sri Lanka, though 'Poo suthuradhu' is slightly more prevalent in some regions. The cultural significance of the ritual remains the same. In these regions, the idiom is kept alive through Tamil cinema and TV shows. It's a way for the community to maintain a linguistic connection to 'village humor'. On Tamil Twitter and YouTube, 'Kātu kuttu' is often used in memes to mock 'clickbait' titles or fake news.
Use with 'Vitu'
Say 'Kātu kuthittān' to sound more natural. It adds a sense of 'He went and did it!'
Avoid with Elders
Even if an elder is joking, using this phrase can be seen as 'vayaadi' (disrespectful talk).
Signification
To deceive or fool someone.
Use with 'Vitu'
Say 'Kātu kuthittān' to sound more natural. It adds a sense of 'He went and did it!'
Avoid with Elders
Even if an elder is joking, using this phrase can be seen as 'vayaadi' (disrespectful talk).
The 'Poo' Combo
You can combine them: 'Kādhula poo suthura kātu kuttu' for a very big lie!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct idiomatic meaning of 'காது குத்து'.
அவன் எனக்கு காது குத்துகிறான் என்றால் என்ன?
In an idiomatic context, 'Kātu kuttu' means to deceive or lie.
Fill in the blank with the correct case marker.
அவன் ________ (நான்) காது குத்தினான்.
The dative case 'எனக்கு' (to me) is used with this idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'காது குத்து'?
Unrealistic promises are a classic 'Kātu kuttu' scenario.
Complete the dialogue.
Arun: 'I have a pet lion at home.' Balu: '_________!'
Balu is calling out Arun's obvious lie.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவன் எனக்கு காது குத்துகிறான் என்றால் என்ன?
In an idiomatic context, 'Kātu kuttu' means to deceive or lie.
அவன் ________ (நான்) காது குத்தினான்.
The dative case 'எனக்கு' (to me) is used with this idiom.
Which situation best fits 'காது குத்து'?
Unrealistic promises are a classic 'Kātu kuttu' scenario.
Arun: 'I have a pet lion at home.' Balu: '_________!'
Balu is calling out Arun's obvious lie.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it's informal. It's like saying 'You're full of it' in English. Use with caution.
Yes! It's perfect for lighthearted teasing among friends.
'Poo suthuradhu' is more about the 'decoration' of the lie, while 'Kātu kuttu' is about the 'act' of tricking.
Use the passive-style: 'Enakku kātu kuthittāngga' (They pierced the ear to me).
No. In formal Tamil, use 'ēmāṟṟu' (to deceive).
Yes, it always implies some level of untruth or misleading information.
Not really. Magic tricks are 'manthiram' or 'thanthiram'. This is for verbal lies.
Not really; the idiom itself is inherently cheeky. To be polite, just say 'You are joking' (Vilaiyādurīngga).
Extremely! Almost every comedy track in Tamil cinema uses this or a related idiom.
Yes, 'Idhu oru kātu kuttu email' is a great way to describe it.
Expressions liées
காதுல பூ சுத்துறது
synonymTo wind a flower in the ear (to fool someone).
அல்வா கொடுப்பது
similarTo give Alwa (to trick someone).
நாமம் போடுவது
similarTo apply the religious mark (to cheat someone).
உருட்டு
slangTo roll (to bluff).
புளுகு
similarA blatant lie.
