NounVintage & Colonial

Chutney Mary

[chuht-nee mair-ee]
Subcontinent & UK diaspora· Colonial Anglo-Indian colloquial characterization
Also spelled: memsahib airs, putting on an accent

Community Definitions1

Definition #1

A historical colloquial term for an Anglo-Indian woman who put on exaggerated high-society British airs, ornate dress, and an affected accent to project superiority.

“Look at her holding her teacup with her little finger stuck out like a proper Chutney Mary.”

Pepperwater
Contributed by Pepperwater
Oct 18, 2026

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