తెలగాణ్యపు టెక్కు, నియోగపు నిక్కు

telaganyapu tekku, niyogapu nikku

Translation

The vanity of a Telaganya and the arrogance of a Niyogi.

Meaning

This is a traditional saying referring to the distinct behavioral stereotypes associated with two sub-castes of the Brahmin community in Andhra. 'Telaganya Tekku' refers to the perceived pride or vanity of the Telaganya sect, while 'Niyoga Nikku' refers to the stiffness or haughty posture (arrogance) traditionally attributed to the Niyogi sect. It is used to describe the characteristic temperaments of these groups.

Related Phrases

God is the help of the helpless. God is where He was.

This proverb is used to express that when someone has no support, family, or help in the world, God will protect and guide them. It is equivalent to the English sentiment that God helps those who are helpless or abandoned.

Begging with arrogance / Forceful alms

This expression refers to a person who, despite being in a position of need or seeking a favor, behaves with excessive pride, arrogance, or bossiness. It describes the irony of someone asking for help (alms) while maintaining an attitude of superiority or coercion.

If it works out, it is a high-status livelihood; if it does not, it is a path to death.

This proverb describes a high-risk, high-reward situation. It is traditionally used to describe certain professions or ventures that offer great authority and wealth if successful, but lead to absolute ruin or starvation if they fail. It highlights the instability and precarious nature of ambitious pursuits.

Arrogance in Nilapalle, but living in Malapalle.

This proverb is used to describe a person who puts on an air of superiority or great pride despite living in poor or humble conditions. It mocks the hypocrisy of someone who acts wealthy or high-class while their actual situation is quite the opposite.

As if bringing all directions to one single direction.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme confusion, chaos, or being completely overwhelmed. It refers to a situation where someone is so disoriented that they cannot distinguish between different paths or directions, metaphorically suggesting that their world has been turned upside down or converged into a single point of confusion.

You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.

This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.

A court/administrative office with no direction or authority.

This expression is used to describe a state of total chaos, lack of leadership, or a situation where there is no one in charge to take responsibility. It often refers to an organization or household that is neglected and functioning without any order or oversight.

An inferior person has a lot of arrogance.

This proverb is used to describe how people with little knowledge, capability, or status often behave with excessive pride or showiness. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It suggests that those who are truly capable are humble, while those who lack substance tend to brag or act superior.

For those who have no one, God is the only refuge

This proverb is used to convey that when a person is helpless, abandoned, or has no support system (orphans, the destitute, or the oppressed), the divine power or providence is their ultimate protector. It is often used to offer comfort in dire situations or to remind others that the helpless are under God's care.

Pride for the Telaganya, stiffness for the Niyogi.

This is a traditional social proverb (sameta) describing the stereotypical behavioral traits attributed to different sub-castes in olden days. It suggests that Telaganya Brahmins are known for their self-respect or pride (Tekku), while Niyogi Brahmins are known for their vanity or stiff-necked attitude (Nikku). It is used to remark on the distinct temperaments of these groups.