Wallah

usgb/ˈwɑːlə/
noun

A person who is involved in a particular work or who performs a specific duty or service.

He's a coolie wallah, carrying luggage at the station all day long.
Visual representation of "wallah" - A person who is involved in a particular work or who performs a specific duty or service.

Often appears as...

  • chai wallah
  • rickshaw wallah

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "wallah"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Occupational Tag

The term 'wallah' often follows another word that describes an occupation to form a compound noun.

Illustration for Occupational Tag
He's the new tea wallah at our office.
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Origin Matters

'Wallah' comes from Hindi and is commonly used in South Asian contexts, reflecting local occupations or roles.

Illustration for Origin Matters
The rickshaw wallah knows the streets better than anyone.
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Informal Usage

Considered informal, 'wallah' is typically used in casual conversation rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
Our tour guide said he was also the camel wallah.
Visual representation of the word "Wallah"

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