फ़ालतू है

You can use it as a full sentence or a descriptor. If someone asks about a broken toaster, just say फ़ालतू है. If you're talking about a bad movie, say फ़ालतू फ़िल्म है. It’s incredibly flexible. You don't need complex grammar to make it work. Just point and label it as junk.

Use it when you're frustrated with a slow internet connection. Use it when a friend suggests a plan that sounds boring. It’s perfect for texting when you want to be blunt. At a shop, use it to describe overpriced, low-quality items. It helps you sound like a local who knows their worth.

Never use this to describe a person to their face unless you want a fight. Calling someone फ़ालतू is a major insult. It implies they are worthless or a 'nobody.' Avoid it in high-stakes professional meetings. It can sound a bit too dismissive or rude to a boss. Don't use it for sacred or deeply sentimental items either.

In Indian culture, there is a big focus on 'paisa vasool' (getting your money's worth). If something isn't useful, it's a waste of resources. फ़ालतू captures that annoyance of wasted effort. It’s a word that moved from 'extra' to 'useless' as urban slang evolved. You’ll hear it in every Bollywood movie during an argument.

You can add एकदम (ekdam) to say it's 'totally useless.' Some people say फ़ालतू की बातें (faaltu ki baatein) for 'useless talk.' In Mumbai, you might hear फ़ालतूगिरी (faaltugiri) to describe nonsense behavior. It’s a word that grows with your vocabulary. Just remember: keep it for things, not people!