Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir: Standout words from regional dictionaries
Local words unique to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have been compiled into dictionaries. These words reflect the cultural identity of the cities while also carrying different meanings depending on the region. Here are the most interesting words and their definitions...
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As part of the Regional Dictionaries project, which was launched to record words belonging to various regions of Turkey, words unique to Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have been collected and compiled into dictionaries.
This project serves as a comprehensive study that includes expressions frequently used in the daily language of the three major cities as well as regional vocabulary.
ISTANBUL'S REGIONAL WORDS
Ayana: An expression of surprise or astonishment.
Burgaş: Opposing view.
Cudam: Ugly, unpleasant.
Ellenem: Probably.
Fodul: Quarrelsome, troublemaker, talkative.
Göbü: A type of doughy, leavened bread.
Horayaramaz: Useless.
ANKARA'S REGIONAL WORDS
The Ankara Turkish Dictionary, compiled from different districts of Ankara, contains words specific to Central Anatolian culture. Here are some of the most notable words and their meanings:
Aba: Older sister.
Badak: A male animal with one testicle.
Cımrak: Cat scratch.
Dobalan: A type of mushroom that grows underground.
Elemeşgere: Clearly, openly.
Galgımak: To jump and hop, to be unable to sit still.
Hobu: Rude, unsightly.
Kança: Jaw.
Manık: Kitten.
Çangal: A dry branch planted for grapevines.
IZMIR'S REGIONAL WORDS
The Izmir Turkish Dictionary, compiled from different districts of Izmir, contains words specific to the Aegean Region. Here are some words unique to Izmir and their meanings:
Andaç: Yearbook.
Bekmez: Molasses (Pekmez).
Cılk: Spoiled, rotten.
Dalıgan: Nettle.
Etah: Senile, demented.
Fışkın: A shoot at the base of a tree.
Gıygıdı: Violin.
Kavzamak: To grasp, to catch.