What is thaggedele?

Thaggedele (తగ్గేదే లే) is a Telugu phrase that gained immense popularity in India and beyond, primarily due to its frequent use in the 2021 Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise.

It roughly translates to "I will not bow down," "I won't back down," or "I won't compromise." The phrase embodies a spirit of defiance, resilience, and unwavering determination.

The dialogue's impact isn't merely linguistic; it's heavily associated with the character of Pushpa Raj, played by Allu Arjun, and his distinct mannerisms while delivering the line, including a hand gesture across the chin. This unique delivery amplified the phrase's memorability.

Beyond the film, "Thaggedele" became a widespread meme, catchphrase, and a symbol of self-respect and unyielding attitude, used in various contexts ranging from political rallies to everyday conversations. It reflects a cultural resonance with themes of challenging authority and maintaining one's ground in the face of adversity.