I hate you DA

Now days, the word ‘da’ has become an inevitable part in Malayali’s language dictionary. This word is actually used to address a male who is younger or of the same age. For the present generation, it can mean the same with only one difference; now it addresses both man and woman. If you don’t like it, you are a ‘country fellow’. Even when Malayalis speak English, they use ‘da’. Many may argue it as a sign of gender equality similar to the word ‘Ms’ which can mean Miss or Mrs. Still does it sound awkward many times? Imagine a 40 year old man addressing a teenage girl ‘da’!!! Like the many freak words in Malayalam, this too had become an ingredient in our common usage.