Meaning
To skillfully avoid a person, task, or situation.
Cultural Background
In Tehran, 'Pichundan' is almost a competitive sport. Being able to 'pich' a boring situation without getting caught is seen as a sign of being 'zerang' (clever/sharp). Older generations might find the term 'Pichundan' too 'lati' (street-slang) or disrespectful. It's better to use more neutral terms like 'bahane avardan' (making excuses) around them. The 'Pich-e-Edari' (Administrative Twist) refers to when government employees give you the runaround to avoid doing paperwork. In the bazaar, 'Pichundan' can refer to a seller who confuses a buyer with too much talk to hide a high price.
The 'Esh' Trick
Add '-esh' to the end (پیچوندمش) to say 'I flaked on him/her/it' instantly. It sounds very native.
Don't Overuse
If you use this word too much, you'll sound like a 'lat' (street thug). Use it sparingly and only with close friends.
Meaning
To skillfully avoid a person, task, or situation.
The 'Esh' Trick
Add '-esh' to the end (پیچوندمش) to say 'I flaked on him/her/it' instantly. It sounds very native.
Don't Overuse
If you use this word too much, you'll sound like a 'lat' (street thug). Use it sparingly and only with close friends.
Ta'arof vs. Pichundan
Remember that 'Pichundan' is often the result of too much Ta'arof. If you can't say no, you'll end up 'pichundan'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'Pichundan'.
دیروز حالم خوب نبود، کلاس رو _________.
Since the subject is 'I' (implied by 'halam khub nabud'), the verb must be first-person singular.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'Pichundan'?
In which of these cases can you say 'Pichundamesh'?
Pichundan involves using an excuse to avoid a duty or person.
Complete the dialogue.
A: چرا علی نیومد؟ B: باز ما رو _________.
Ali is the subject (3rd person singular), and he flaked on 'us' (ma ro).
Match the slang to the formal equivalent.
Match 'پیچوندن' with its formal counterpart.
Pichundan is the slang version of avoiding or not showing up.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesدیروز حالم خوب نبود، کلاس رو _________.
Since the subject is 'I' (implied by 'halam khub nabud'), the verb must be first-person singular.
In which of these cases can you say 'Pichundamesh'?
Pichundan involves using an excuse to avoid a duty or person.
A: چرا علی نیومد؟ B: باز ما رو _________.
Ali is the subject (3rd person singular), and he flaked on 'us' (ma ro).
Match 'پیچوندن' with its formal counterpart.
Pichundan is the slang version of avoiding or not showing up.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it can be. It implies you are being deceptive. Use it only in casual settings.
Absolutely. 'Kelas ro pichundan' is the most common way to say 'to cut class'.
There isn't a single slang word, but ' خوشقول بودن' (being true to one's word) is the conceptual opposite.
You can say 'منو پیچوند' (He/She flaked on me) or 'پیچ خوردم' (I got twisted/flaked on).
Never. In writing, use 'عدم حضور' (absence) or 'اجتناب' (avoidance).
No, that would be 'kharab shodan'. 'Pichundan' requires a person's intent.
Not exactly, but it usually involves a lie to avoid something.
Yes, but it's most associated with Tehran's urban slang.
Yes, you can say 'سوال منو پیچوند' meaning the question confused/tricked me.
It's a slang term for someone who flakes constantly for no reason.
Related Phrases
لایی کشیدن
similarTo weave through traffic; to cleverly avoid a situation.
جیم شدن
synonymTo sneak away.
دک کردن
specialized formTo get rid of someone.
پیچ خوردن
contrastTo be flaked on; to have one's ankle sprained.
