, Columnist
'Timepass' Is India's Way of Lying Flat
Opportunities are shrinking, and opting out is becoming a lifestyle for young, educated people.
Boredom as a way of life.
Photographer: NurPhoto/Getty Images
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In the quirky world of Indian English, “timepass” is of relatively recent vintage. Its first known appearance was in a newspaper article from 1982. But like “prepone” — the opposite of postpone — the word has gained currency because of its sheer efficiency.
“What are you doing nowadays?” a friend inquires. “Timepass,” comes the reply. The stuff that’s filling up one’s day is really of no importance; it’s just helping pass the hours. The friend will know better than to probe any further.