This is not an english word. In tamil, it can mean poor thing. It is funny as it can be overused to the point that someone constructs an entire sentence consisting of only the word itself. It can mean other things too, such as sin apparently. It can be used to simply add an image of helplessness or care. I am writing this to give a more appropriate definition than the other given for this word. As with many south indian words, they are obviously shared across many languages in south india. But, this definition should also be given, to show that there are two meanings. Pavum can become humorous if it is overused for things that really do not need it, just as how saying, "poor thing, she's a mother!" would be humorous when used as an argument for the mother's careless mistakes. It becomes humorous if it is used too much, like in cases where the person really doesn't need any pity, and is probably just making a mistake.
person one: The other day a child did a terrible job playing their instrument, and then boasted about it, trying to pretend like they were better than everybody else, and bragged about it.
person two: Pavum, oru papa! (poor thing, they're only a child)
well that doesn't make it any better, the child knows better than to brag about what was obviously a terrible performance for which they were given applause by the teacher only due to their good relationship with that teacher.
The argument of their being a child doesn't make sense when the others are also children and have to put up with someone who was only praised due to their relationship with the teacher. They know better than to laugh at people who are doing better than them, as if they are doing a better job themselves.
person two: Pavum, oru papa! (poor thing, they're only a child)
well that doesn't make it any better, the child knows better than to brag about what was obviously a terrible performance for which they were given applause by the teacher only due to their good relationship with that teacher.
The argument of their being a child doesn't make sense when the others are also children and have to put up with someone who was only praised due to their relationship with the teacher. They know better than to laugh at people who are doing better than them, as if they are doing a better job themselves.
by ungkyan shanden September 24, 2020
A Malayalam (a language of south India) word for being innocent or humble.
Also, can sometimes refer to the less fortunate.
Also, can sometimes refer to the less fortunate.
by mariemyc September 22, 2010