jhoothi

Jhoothi is a word in Hindi and Urdu that describes something false or someone who lies. It is the feminine form of the adjective jhootha, meaning false. Jhoothi is used to modify feminine nouns or to refer to a lie in feminine agreement, as in jhoothi baat (a false statement) or yeh jhoothi kahani hai (this is a false story). The corresponding masculine form is jhootha, and the neutral noun for a lie is jhooth.

Geographic and linguistic context: Jhoothi belongs to the Hindustani languages, shared by Hindi and Urdu, and is understood across parts of South Asia and among related diasporic communities. The word reflects gender agreement rules of adjectives in these languages. It carries a negative evaluation of truthfulness and is commonly used in everyday speech, media discourse, and literature to challenge or dismiss claims.

Usage notes: In formal writing, speakers may prefer more neutral terms such as sach (truth) or galat (wrong) rather than labeling something as jhoothi. The feminine form agrees with the noun it modifies, with examples including jhoothi kahani and jhoothi baat. As a stylistic device, jhoothi can emphasize deceit or falsity, but its tone is inherently negative and context-dependent.