1. Amma
(Tamil). Mother. Also used to address elderly women as a sign of respect.
2. Appa
(Tamil) Father
3. Autorickshaw
A three-wheeler (tuk-tuk, trishaw, auto, rick, autorick, or rickshaw in popular parlance) is a motor vehicle and a mode of transport for private use and as a vehicle for hire. An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to three passengers in the rear. They are generally fitted with an air-cooled scooter version of a two-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel. Auto rickshaws are light duty vehicles. Source: Wikipedia
4. Bhaabhi
(Hindi) Sister-in-law. Also used commonly to refer to ones friends wife.
5. Bhaiyya
(Hindi) Elder brother. Commonly used to refer to male slightly older than oneself. Not used for a person much older than oneself.
6. Ganesha
Also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Pillaiyar, is one of the best-known and most widely worshiped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganeshas elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles. He is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.
7. idly
Non-sweet, very-slightly-sour cakes that are shaped like discs. Usually measure 3 to 5 inches in diameter and about 1 to 1.5 inches in thick at the center. Made by soaking uncooked rice and de-husked urad dal (some also add a teaspoon of fenugreek/methi/vendayam) for a few hours, grinding it up with a little water, and fermenting it overnight. A pinch of salt is added to the batter and steamed in an idly-steamer, and are done in about 10 minutes. Eaten with side-dishes like sambar, chutneys, milagai-podi etc. Written records of the older (and different) versions of idly exist from 920 AD. Now a common breakfast item throughout South India. Ready made batter packets (refrigerated to prevent over-fermenting) started becoming common in the late 1990s.
8. Kodambakkam
A locality in Chennai city. Home to the Tamil version of Hollywood.
9. Lehenga
A colorful swirling skirt worn by women, especially in North India. It is paired with a short bodice called a choli. Also comes with a bright veil called odhani.
10. lentils
A type of pulse/legume, technically a bean. In this case, it refers specifically to the Urad type, which has a black shell. It can be bought from stores in its de-husked white form, and is used (along with rice) to make idly batter.
11. Maami
Literal (Tamil): Aunt. Usually used as a respectful term for an older women in Tamilnadu, especially in Chennai. In its narrowest usage, it refers to such women from certain lineages.
12. Mani Ratnam
An Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer from Tamil Nadu. Won many national and international wards. Born Gopalaratnam Subramaniam, 1956 in Madurai.
13. Munnar
A hill town located in Kerala State. Situated in the south Western Ghats. Surrounded by tea plantations. Munnar is essentially a tea town and a popular holiday destination.
14. NRIs
An Indian citizen who has migrated to another country, a person of Indian origin who is born outside India, or a person of Indian origin who resides outside India. Other terms with the same meaning are overseas Indian and expatriate Indian.
15. Oliyum Oliyum
A Tamil movie song and sequence compilation program on TV popular during the 70s, 80's and 90's.
16. Ponnu
(Tamil): Girl. Usually a little girl or young woman.
17. Pooja room
Many Hindu homes have a personal shrine set aside somewhere in the house that includes pictures or idols of various deities. A daily pooja (prayer) is often performed that may also include offerings for the family's personal deity. A daily Puja usually consists of a simple worship of offerings, such as an offering of light, water and incense, and/or fruit.
18. Pudusamma, Chennai auto enna ippadi thaan
(Tamil): Are you new here madam? This is how Chennai autos are.
19. Rahman
An Indian music composer, records producer, musician and singer from Tamil Nadu. Called the Mozart of Madras. 2 Oscars (2009, Slumdog Millionaire, Best Music, Best Song). Born A. S. Dileep Kumar (1966) Chennai.
20. Roja
(Tamil) Rose. A Tamil film by this name won three National Film Awards.
21. scooter
A two-wheeled motorized vehicle with a step-through frame ridden like a motorcycle (Wikipedia). A common two-wheeler used by women in India. The space between the handle and seat allows them to drive even when they are wearing a sari.
22. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916-2004). Also known as M.S. Was a renowned Carnatic vocalist. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian honor. Was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
23. Suprabatham
(originally Sanskrit, borrowed into Tamil). Means auspicious dawn. Is a name given to Sanskrit hymns recited in the morning to awaken Lord Vishnu (one of the 3 main Gods of the Hindu pantheon). The most famous version is Venkateshwara Suprabhatam recited at Tirupati to awaken Venkateswara. The rendition by M. S. Subbulakshmi can be heard in many Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu houses, shops, hotels each morning.
24. Thaayar
A leading brand of idli batter
25. Vanakkam
(Tamil) Greeting. Depending on usage, can mean Hello, Welcome, Goodbye etc
26. Vendors cart
Push carts or tricycle carts used by vegetable vendors to sell vegetables, fruits, small household items. Pushed or ridden through streets.