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June 26, 2005
Vishy's Indian English Dictionary: nonveg
nonveg./NON·vej/
1. Any item from the meat, poultry and seafood food groups. A contraction of 'non-vegetarian food'. Frequently used as a substitute for 'meat' in sentences, but includes poultry and seafood as well. Common uses include "I don't eat any nonveg" or "I eat nonveg only on Wednesdays and Fridays". Keeping your ears peeled for mentions of 'nonveg' in a food context sometimes provides glimpses into the intricate and apparently nonsensical dietary habits of Indians. 'Nonveg' is well-understood at Indian food establishments and would probably even work in Indian restaurants in the U.S. However, to extend it to non-Indian food establishments in the U.S. may lead to unexpected results. Overheard at a pizza/deli in New York:
Indian guy: "Does that slice have nonveg?"
Latino behind the counter: "What you sayin' man?"
Indian guy: "Nonveg. Does that slice have any nonveg in it?"
Latino: "I don't understand you, amigo."
Indian guy: "Never mind. Is that slice veggie?"
Latino: "No. It's cheese."
Indian guy (bewildered): "The slice isn't veggie either?"
Latino: "It's a cheese slice."
Me (to the Latino): "That slice has no meat right?"
Latino: Right. It's just cheese.
Me (to the Indian guy): "It's all right. I am vegetarian too, and the cheese slice is okay. A veggie slice would have vegetables on it, like mushrooms, olives and peppers. Next time, just ask if the slice has meat on it or not."
2. Used to describe jokes not usually told in polite company. Nonveg jokes are best told in an all-male group of friends after a few drinks.
Posted by Vishy at June 26, 2005 04:00 PM