India, July 3 -- Let's revise. On the family tree, Aunty simply means a parent's female sibling. In south Asian culture, Aunty is how you'd respectfully address any older woman. Aunty, in African communities, is the wise OG. Among LGBTQ+ folks, Aunty is another kind of OG - the flamboyant, nurturing, gay man who's always on your side.

But Aunty, Indian pop culture has long led us to believe, denotes some kind of crotchety neighbourhood crone. The one who hovers over balcony railings, eavesdropping; who presides over kitty parties; dispenses unsolicited advice on the elevator ride; polices young women's clothes, choices, even how they laugh. The term quickly became shorthand for ageing. "Don't call me Aunty" has been a recurring punchline...