Katta
Meaning: I think everyone who has grown up in Mumbai will identify with the word katta. A katta is essentially any place that you can ‘plonk’ down at, with a clear view of everything happening in and around that area - be it Sydenham College’s corridors, the Marine Drive promenade, or Shivaji Park. Trying to gauge its origins will be a long-drawn process; words such as these are hand-me-downs. It is related to this popular high-school and college pastime, and possibly holds memories for many: from gossip sessions to council elections. Katta and street fare go hand-in-hand, and most favourite kattas will always be centred around such kiosks.

Fatema Agarkar, educationist and founder of ACE