The associate professor of NNSU named the words that are used only by Nizhny Novgorod residents.

      Associate Professor of the Department of Russian Language and Literature at the Arzamas branch of NNGU, Alexander Pryanikov, has compiled a list of unique Nizhny Novgorod dialect words. The editor-in-chief of MIA "Statsionar-Press," Alexey Nikonov, discussed how words like "blondit" and "nadybat" are a hallmark of our region in his Max channel. According to the linguist, the local lexicon contains many colorful expressions that are firmly rooted in the everyday speech of the region's residents but may be completely incomprehensible to guests from other regions. In his list, the expert gathered over 30 words that can be divided into several thematic groups. For example, to describe everyday actions, Nizhny Novgorod residents use their own verbs: "blondit" (to wander aimlessly), "nadybat" (to find, acquire), "pyryait" (to work hard), or "rysachit" (to drive around). The local dictionary also includes unique names for familiar things and products. For instance, garden strawberries are traditionally called "victoria," sugar is referred to as "sand," a vegetable garden is known as "usad," and instant noodles are called "bepeshka." To describe character or state, Nizhny Novgorod residents use expressions like "zakhapisty" (greedy), "opoyny" (drunk), or the phrase "like a mad tarashka" (to act frantically, in a hurry). If a person makes a mistake or exaggerates, it is said that they "zagrubil." A particular linguistic interest is the particle "chai." It is used in speech to express hope for something and comes from the outdated verb "chayat" (to hope, to expect). From the same root come the familiar words "chayaniya" and "otchayat'sya."

      Marina Ukhabova Photo: Alexander Volozhanin

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

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       NNGU Associate Professor names words most often used by Nizhny Novgorod residents

       The linguist compiled a selection of regional dialect words, many of which may be incomprehensible to residents of other regions. 15:25 05.07.2026 Newsroom24.Ru - Nizhny Novgorod

      

      

      

      

      

      

       NNGU Associate Professor names words used only by Nizhny Novgorod residents

       Associate Professor of the Department of Russian Language and Literature at the Arzamas branch of NNGU, Alexander Pryanikov, has compiled a list of unique Nizhny Novgorod dialect words. 11:48 05.07.2026 Nizhny Novgorod Truth - Nizhny Novgorod