Ani!

A simple three letter Khasi word that is used to express pain, surprise, joy and sometimes even anger and disgust depending on how it is said. The variation in the tone adds a plethora of meaning to the expression, I use it frequently especially when I am unsure of how I am supposed to react to something and when I am usually speechless. My Khasi equivalent to the English version of “hmmm” for when I do not know what to say. I think in Mizo it also means paternal aunt. My friend’s daughter calls me Ani Bibiana (because I am friends with her father). Unsure of the spelling in Mizo, but the pronunciation is the same. One word, so many meanings.

Ani!" sent by @bibianaryntathiang 😳😨😰😱😫😓😖 Ani! Thank you for sending this! 😂😂

Bibiana Ryntathiang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, St Mary's College, Shillong, Meghalaya.