What Does “Dei” Mean in Slang?

In slang, “dei” is an informal expression commonly used in Indian English, particularly in South India, as a casual way to call someone—similar to “hey” or “dude” in English.

It’s most often used among friends or peers to grab attention, express familiarity, or emphasize a statement. Depending on tone and context, “dei” can be playful, teasing, or even mildly scolding.

For example, “Dei, what are you doing?” can mean “Hey, what are you doing?” in a friendly way. However, the meaning can shift if spoken with a sharper tone, sometimes conveying annoyance.

Origins of “Dei”

The term “dei” originates from Tamil, one of the oldest languages in the world, where it functions as a vocative particle—a word used to directly address someone.

In Tamil, “dei” is traditionally used to call a male in an informal or familiar context. Over time, it spread to other South Indian languages like Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, maintaining similar meaning and usage.

With the influence of Indian cinema, memes, and social media, “dei” entered wider Indian English slang, especially among younger generations.

While still retaining its cultural roots, the word has taken on a more casual, humorous, and even internet-friendly vibe.

How to Use “Dei” in a Sentence?

Here are five examples showing how “dei” can be used in everyday slang:

“Dei, you forgot your phone!”
– Used to quickly get a friend’s attention.
“Come on, dei, don’t be so serious.”
– Playfully telling someone to lighten up.
“Dei! That was hilarious!”
– Expressing excitement or amusement.
“Dei, I told you not to touch that!”
– Mildly scolding someone in a familiar way.
“We’re late, dei, hurry up!”
– Urging a friend to move faster.