Language isn’t just about communication—it’s how we make sense of the world. The words we choose shape how we think, how we solve problems, and how we make decisions.
When language is sloppy, thinking is sloppy. And sloppy thinking leads to bad choices.
Take paneer. Most Indians call it “cottage cheese,” but it’s not. Cottage cheese is soft, crumbly, and has a tangy taste due to the way it’s curdled and drained. Paneer, on the other hand, is firm, non-fermented, and doesn’t melt when heated. The wrong label confuses not just translations but entire culinary expectations. Similarly, Indian “curd” isn’t the same as “yogurt”—one is made by adding a starter culture from previous batches, while the other is made using standardized bacterial strains. Small linguistic shortcuts lead to big culinary misunderstandings.
Another take- For years, most Indians thought basil and tulsi were the same. Both belong to the Lamiaceae family, both are green and fragrant, and both are used in different traditions. But their properties, flavors, and uses couldn’t be more different. Tulsi has a sharp, peppery, almost medicinal taste—perfect for herbal teas and ayurvedic remedies. Basil, with its sweet, slightly anise-like notes, belongs in pesto, pasta, and Caprese salads. Confusing them isn’t just a botanical mistake—it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of their purpose.
This isn’t just about food.
Look at the startup craze in India. Everyone with an idea calls themselves a “startup founder,” even when they’re just launching another café, another clothing brand, or another generic tech service. A startup is meant to solve a problem with innovation and scalability. If you’re copying an existing business model without a new angle, you’re not a startup—you’re a small business. There’s nothing wrong with that, but using the wrong word creates an illusion of disruption where none exists.
In tech, “AI startup” is the buzzword of the decade. But most of these companies aren’t building AI—they’re just wrapping OpenAI’s GPT into a chatbot and calling it a product. There’s a difference between developing foundational AI models and integrating an existing API into an interface. Confusing the two is like calling a local dropshipping business an “e-commerce innovator.” The language inflates reality, but the market always catches up.
Or take the way we glorify jugaad as innovation. Jugaad is a clever workaround—a temporary fix. Innovation, on the other hand, is a structured, scalable, and sustainable solution. Strapping a diesel engine onto a cart to create a makeshift jugaad gaadi is clever. But it’s not the same as designing a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, road-safe, and scalable. In business, mistaking jugaad for innovation leads to short-term thinking—quick fixes that don’t solve the root problem. A patchwork business model isn’t innovation; it’s a delay tactic. And eventually, the market catches up.
Say It Right or Think It Wrong
Language is a scalpel, not a hammer. The more precise your vocabulary, the sharper your thinking. And the sharper your thinking, the better your ability to navigate, solve problems, and make a real impact.
Like any map, the accuracy of your words determines the success of your journey. Get the words right, and the world makes sense. Get them wrong, and you’re lost before you’ve even begun.
It’s not about semantics. It’s about survival.