badmash
|bad-mash|
/bəˈdmɑːʃ/
rascal / wrongdoer
Etymology
'badmash' originates from Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu), specifically the word 'badmāš', ultimately from Persian 'badmāš' where 'bad' meant 'bad' and 'māš' referred to a doer of deeds.
'badmāš' in Persian/Hindustani entered regional South Asian usage and was later borrowed into English (especially South Asian English) as 'badmash'.
Initially it meant 'evil-doer' or 'wrongdoer', but in English it has kept that sense while also developing milder, playful senses like 'rascal'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mischievous or cheeky person; a rascal (often used playfully).
He's a little badmash — always playing tricks on his friends.
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Noun 2
a dishonest or criminal person; a thug or rogue (stronger, negative sense).
He was accused of acting like a badmash in the market.
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Adjective 1
describing someone as mischievous, roguish, or morally questionable.
Don't be so badmash in front of the guests.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 08:42