punka

A servant pulls the punka to cool the room.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large fan: "punka" refers to a type of large, swinging fan, typically made of palm leaves or cloth, suspended from the ceiling and operated by pulling a cord. It was historically used in India and other parts of Asia to cool rooms, especially in colonial settings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the old bungalow, a punka hung from the ceiling, moved slowly by a servant pulling a rope. (A large ceiling fan used for cooling.)
  • The heat was oppressive, so the hotel staff activated the punka to create a breeze. (The fan was set in motion to provide air circulation.)

Advanced Usage

• "Punka wallah": a person whose job is to operate a punka, often by pulling a cord.
  • The punka wallah sat in the corner, rhythmically tugging the rope to keep the fan moving. (The attendant responsible for working the punka.)

Variants and Related Words

• Punkah (n): an alternative spelling of "punka", more common in historical texts.
  • The punkah creaked as it swung back and forth, offering slight relief from the humidity. (The large fan, spelled alternatively.)

Synonyms

• Ceiling fan: a modern mechanical fan attached to the ceiling.
• Palm-leaf fan: a handheld or hanging fan made from palm fronds.

Phrasal Verbs

• Pull the punka: to operate the fan by pulling its cord.
  • The servant had to pull the punka continuously during the meal. (To activate the fan by tugging the rope.)

Related Idioms

• Under the punka: an idiom meaning to be in a place cooled by a large fan, often used figuratively to describe comfort or colonial privilege.
  • The guests sat under the punka, sipping cool drinks and escaping the midday heat. (Enjoying the comfort provided by the fan.)