Meaning
An exclamation of strong disapproval or disbelief at something foolish.
Cultural Background
In North India, 'bakwas' is a staple of street-smart, informal language. It is used frequently in college campuses and among friends. In Mumbai, the phrase is often mixed with 'tapori' (street) slang, sometimes becoming 'Kya bakwas kar raha hai re!'. While informal, it is sometimes used in very close-knit startup teams to quickly dismiss a bad idea during brainstorming.
Use the facepalm
Pairing this phrase with a physical gesture like a facepalm makes your meaning 100% clear.
Don't use with elders
Even if you are frustrated, using this with elders is highly disrespectful in Indian culture.
Meaning
An exclamation of strong disapproval or disbelief at something foolish.
Use the facepalm
Pairing this phrase with a physical gesture like a facepalm makes your meaning 100% clear.
Don't use with elders
Even if you are frustrated, using this with elders is highly disrespectful in Indian culture.
It's a bonding tool
Using this with friends to complain about a shared annoyance actually builds social bonds.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is appropriate for a friend telling a lie?
____!
It is the only phrase that expresses disbelief/annoyance.
Complete the exclamation.
Yeh ____ hai!
The phrase is 'Yeh bakwas hai'.
Choose the best response to: 'The moon is made of cheese.'
Response: ____
The claim is ridiculous, so you use the dismissal phrase.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You are angry at a bad TV show.
It fits the frustration of a bad show.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____!
It is the only phrase that expresses disbelief/annoyance.
Yeh ____ hai!
The phrase is 'Yeh bakwas hai'.
Response: ____
The claim is ridiculous, so you use the dismissal phrase.
Situation: You are angry at a bad TV show.
It fits the frustration of a bad show.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is strictly for spoken, informal communication.
No, it is not a swear word, but it is rude.
Absolutely not, unless you want to get in trouble.
No, it is an uncountable noun.
Yes, it is widely understood in all Hindi-speaking regions.
Yes, 'Yeh khana kya bakwas hai!' works perfectly.
No, it is a fixed phrase.
Add 'bilkul' (absolutely) before it: 'Bilkul bakwas hai!'
Related Phrases
Bakwas mat karo
specialized formDon't talk nonsense
Faltu baat
synonymUseless talk
Bekar hai
similarIt is useless
