What does "pukka" mean?
Genuine or authentic; hence of behaviour: correct, socially acceptable or proper.
Pukka
/ˈpʌkə/ adj, slang
adj, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Genuine or authentic; hence of behaviour: correct, socially acceptable or proper.
- Grammar: pukka is listed as adj, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: authentic, bona fide, excellent, fair.
- Useful contrasts: kutcha.
- Usage evidence: Maha Rajah said it was necessary to witness it to make it pukka; and they said so too, and then signed it.
How to use "pukka"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pukka" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pukka" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pukka" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pukka" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pukka" is acting as adj, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "authentic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pukka", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Genuine or authentic; hence of behaviour: correct, socially acceptable or proper.
"Maha Rajah said it was necessary to witness it to make it pukka; and they said so too, and then signed it."
- 2 Constructed as a permanent building, with high-quality materials (especially fired clay bricks and tiles as opposed to unfired mud and thatch). South-Asia
"The popular classification of wells is, however, into pukka and kuchcha. Percolation wells are usually pukka or brickbuilt. Spring wells are of three kinds—(1) pukka, where the sub-soil to the spring is sandy, and masonry is necessary througout; […] (3) kuchcha wells, made of clay throughout."
- 3 Superior or of high quality; first-class; excellent. British, slang
"Mind you, it was a pukka, respectable opium-house, and not one of those stifling, sweltering chandoo-khanas, that you can find all over the City."
Adjective
- 1 absolutely first class and genuine wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Maha Rajah said it was necessary to witness it to make it pukka; and they said so too, and then signed it."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pukka"?
Common synonyms include: authentic, bona fide, excellent, fair, first class, genuine.
How do you use "pukka" in a sentence?
Maha Rajah said it was necessary to witness it to make it pukka; and they said so too, and then signed it.
How do you pronounce "pukka"?
Pronounced /ˈpʌkə/.
Etymology
From Hindi पक्का (pakkā, “certain, sure”), Punjabi ਪੱਕਾ (pakkā, “mature, ripe; cooked; strong, substantial; genuine, sound, true, valid”) and Urdu پکا (pakkā, “mature, ripe; cooked; strong, substantial; genuine, sound, true, valid”), from Sanskrit पक्व (pakva, “baked, cooked, roasted”), from पचति (pacati, “to bake, cook, roast”).