Dafadar means: A sergeant in the Indian infantry during the British Raj.. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
dafadar
(India, historical) A sergeant in the Indian infantry during the British Raj.
Definitions
(India, historical) A sergeant in the Indian infantry during the British Raj.
Dafadar means: A sergeant in the Indian infantry during the British Raj.. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
dafadar means: A sergeant in the Indian infantry during the British Raj.. Register: informal, Indian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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(historical) An Indian officer in the British Indian Army, of a rank equivalent to captain.
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(India, historical) The governor of a fort or large town in medieval India.
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(India, historical) One who received a grant or gift of lands from the British Raj as a reward for service.
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(India, Pakistan, Nepal) A noncommissioned officer rank in the armies of India and Pakistan.
- faujdar65%
(India) An officer tasked with the administration of a sarkar.