Copyright news18
Often, mostly women and college boys and girls refer to auto and cab drivers in cities like Delhi and Mumbai with a particular name. Instead of the usual “Bhaiya,” it becomes a stretched “Bhayya,” spoken in that accent often associated with high-society circles or students from upscale city areas. This particular tone has inspired countless funny videos and memes, capturing how casually that elongated “Bhayya” slips out while hailing an auto or asking for a fare. For many, it is harmless. But for this one auto driver, that word seems to have crossed a line. Recently, a photo from inside an autorickshaw has been making rounds on social media. Taken from the passenger’s seat, it shows a small sign posted right behind the driver’s seat. “Keep safe distance…pls…? Don’t say Bhayya. Call me Bhai, Dada, Boss, Brother,” it reads. The image was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Auto drivers got no chill.” No Bhayya. Period. The note feels like it comes straight from someone who has been hearing that word one too many times every day. So, instead of getting irritated, this auto driver decided to make a point politely but firmly. Don’t say “Bhayya.” Say “Bhai.” Say “Dada.” Say “Boss.” Say “Brother.” Anything but that one word. Auto drivers got no chill And That’s When Internet Went ROFL As the photo spread online, what followed was a chain of jokes and witty one-liners from people across the country. One user commented, “Kisi ne khurafat kiya hai bhai. I don’t think so ki auto wale bhaiya ne aisa likha hoga (Someone has done mischief, bro. I don’t think the auto driver himself wrote this).” Another said, “He is done with idiots who say ‘kitna bucks ka’ in India.” Someone else remarked, “Auto dada bhayya sunn sunn kar pareshan ho chuke hai (Auto dada (elder brother) bhayya has become tired of hearing it again and again).” “Coolest rickshaw chalak (Coolest rickshaw driver),” a person wrote while an individual playfully said, “South Delhi wali girls bhi auto m bethti hain? (Even South Delhi girls travel in autos?).” More funny remarks continued in the comment section, such as “My auto, my rules,” “Bro has found his trigger word,” “South Delhi baddie nahi manegi (The South Delhi baddie won’t agree)” and “Jalwa hai bhai ka (It’s brother’s swagger).” Meanwhile, a user also said, “Bhayya is such a nice world in that accent, how could he say no?” After this, saying “Bhayya” might just feel like a risk.
