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The moment I read news regarding the word ‘Gullu’ being added to the Oxford Dictionary, I felt completely dumbfounded. Like as if something that shouldn’t have happened, did happen, and in the worst way possible. Undoubtedly, the Azadi and Inqibal sit-ins have contributed in helping Gullu make his way to where he is now. I always wondered about the way these leaders choose to endorse this term time and time again in their speeches, and how foreigners listening to them might get confused with what this word actually meant. Even if they had translated the entire speech into English, the word ‘Gullu’ would still have remained unchanged and meaningless. Its meaning in Pakistan, however, is varying. While leaders from the opposition regard the term ‘Gullu’ as equivalent to a terrorist, our government symbolises it for casual road crimes. The courts, however, are in a dilemma as to whether the crime he conducted really was so serious that it made its way to international news. However, now this dilemma can finally be solved and all parties can agree to a standard definition of the term ‘Gullu’, and that is,
“Disruptive behaviour of someone enjoying (whether explicit or implicit) backing of the ruling/powerful segments of society”.This word signifies that one cannot regard the police, rangers or any other law enforcement agency in Pakistan eligible enough to deal with ‘Gullu’. That is the reason why they are referred to as ‘Gullus’ but not criminals. Criminals use weapons to harm the society; however, for ‘Gullu’, a little political power and support is enough to cause disruption. This is not the first time that an inclusion of an Urdu word has been made in the Oxford Dictionary. When there is no substitute to the words that exist in Urdu, English speakers are forced to adopt traces of our language, making us proud time and time again. Despite of the fact that they are unable to pronounce it with the correct accent, listening to a word of Urdu origin from foreigners is an achievement in itself. Some of the basic words that have been added into the Oxford Dictionary include chutney, garam masala, Jinnah Cap, punch, pyjamas, raita, roti, shawl, sorbet (sharbat) and many more. While analysing these words, I realised that all of them somehow symbolise the cultures and traditions of the subcontinent. The addition of ‘chutney’ in the dictionary shows that it is in no way equivalent to sauces and that it has its own different origin and taste. Same is the case with ‘garam masala’, ‘roti’ and ‘raita’. All three of these things are an essential part of the sub-continental cuisine, especially Pakistani cuisine, making the world aware of how creative we are in terms of utilising ingredients in a tasteful manner. ‘Jinnah Cap’, however, is that one word which is linked with pride and honour. It can be regarded as no less than an achievement, having the world know and admit to how fascinating our leader’s personality and dressing sense was. The word symbolises to a special type of cap that Jinnah wore, adding to his dignity and charm. The inclusion of all these words in the Oxford Dictionary undoubtedly reveals to the world a softer side of Pakistan. However, I felt depressed when I saw people express their joy on social media over the inclusion of the word ‘Gullu’ into the dictionary. This word is actually the first shameful addition to the list of valuable Urdu words that Pakistanis have contributed to the Oxford Dictionary. With the inclusion of ‘Gullu’, the world will come to know that powerful men in Pakistan can cause disruption in society without any accountability. I can see no benefit in highlighting our problems and exposing them to the world. It would be no more than an opportunity for the world to make fun of us. I would have supported this decision if, for once, the international community would have stood up to help Pakistan get rid of curses like Gullu Butt. But that’s not the intent or purpose behind including ‘Gullu’ in the dictionary. https://twitter.com/parhlo/status/519502415654301697 https://twitter.com/aamnabilgrami/status/517951379889856513 https://twitter.com/ZainMrk/status/517308091323662336 https://twitter.com/afzaalvirgoboy/status/515898660140613632 I feel very disappointed realising the fact that, since the world already regarded us as terrorists and extremists, the addition of this cursed word to our society and the effects of it would add to our destroyed image. My heart breaks seeing how minor criminals with so much power have started representing our entire society, overshadowing the innocent and sincere Pakistani nation. Where most people find it funny and are proud to discuss the inclusion of the term in the dictionary, I actually feel ashamed, since as a nation we have contributed to one more word for terrorism. With such conditions and the increasing number of Gullus, I hardly think that there can be any improvement in our image across the world. So Pakistanis be ready, as another curse and taunt to be thrown upon you waits abroad!