"mercall" means: A grain measure in use in the Madras Presidency, varying in different localities, but typically 12 sers; fixed since 1846 at 800 cubic inche.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.
mercall
(India, historical) A grain measure in use in the Madras Presidency, varying in different localities, but typically 12 sers; fixed since 1846 at 800 cubic inches.
Etymology timeline
Born ~1846 · no dated citations yetDefinitions
(India, historical) A grain measure in use in the Madras Presidency, varying in different localities, but typically 12 sers; fixed since 1846 at 800 cubic inches.
"mercall" means: A grain measure in use in the Madras Presidency, varying in different localities, but typically 12 sers; fixed since 1846 at 800 cubic inche.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.
"mercall" means: A grain measure in use in the Madras Presidency, varying in different localities, but typically 12 sers; fixed since 1846 at 800 cubic inche.... Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. Note the regional or dialect label (historical) — usage may sound odd outside that variety. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a
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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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(India, archaic) A measure used in the sale of paddy.
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An old Indian unit of weight, equal to 80 tolas, or one fortieth of a maund.
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(India, obsolete) A unit of volume or weight for rice, etc.
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(India, obsolete) A measure of land used in the neighbourhood of Madras.
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(India, obsolete) A harbormaster.