Good for Nothing – निकम्मा / किसी काम का नहीं Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “Good for nothing” describes someone or something that is:
Useless or unproductive (निकम्मा होना)
Incompetent or incapable of doing anything useful (किसी काम का नहीं होना)
Lacking value or purpose (मूल्यहीन होना)

This expression is typically used in a negative or critical context, often to describe a person who does not contribute or perform tasks that are expected of them. It can also be used to refer to something or someone that is unhelpful or not fulfilling any purpose.

Hindi Equivalent:
“निकम्मा” (Useless)
“किसी काम का नहीं” (Good for nothing)
“बेकार” (Worthless)

Detailed Explanation
This phrase is used to describe people or things that fail to meet expectations or cannot perform tasks as required.
Used for people: It refers to individuals who do not contribute, are lazy, or lack the ability to perform necessary duties.
Used for things: It can also describe an object or an item that does not function properly or serve any purpose.
It is often a criticism, and when used in reference to a person, it implies that they are not fulfilling their potential or expectations.

In informal or critical conversations, this phrase may be used to express frustration with someone or something that is seen as ineffective or incapable. However, be mindful that it can be quite harsh and disrespectful when directed at a person.

Common contexts:
Incompetence, failure to meet expectations, lazy behavior, useless items, frustration

Real-Life Examples

In a Work Setting
English: “I can’t rely on John for this task, he’s good for nothing.”
Hindi: “मैं इस काम के लिए जॉन पर भरोसा नहीं कर सकता, वह किसी काम का नहीं है।”

In a Family Setting
English: “Stop being good for nothing and help your mother with the dishes.”
Hindi: “निकम्मा बनना बंद करो और अपनी माँ की मदद करो बर्तन धोने में।”

In Reference to an Object
English: “This old laptop is good for nothing, it barely works.”
Hindi: “यह पुराना लैपटॉप किसी काम का नहीं है, यह मुश्किल से काम करता है।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ The idiom “good for nothing” highlights the human tendency to measure people or things by their usefulness or productivity.
✓ It reflects societal values around utility and achievement, where individuals are often judged by their contributions and what they can provide.
✓ While this phrase is typically negative, it also shows how frustration arises when expectations are not met.

When to Use This Phrase:
When expressing disappointment in someone’s inability to contribute or perform expected tasks
When criticizing someone’s actions or lack of effort
When describing an item that is not serving its intended purpose or is malfunctioning
In a moment of frustration or exasperation, particularly when expectations have not been met

Usage Tips
Be cautious: The phrase can be very harsh when used about a person, and it may offend the individual being described.
Avoid it in sensitive situations: It’s best not to use it in situations where a person may be struggling, as it could further discourage them.
Use more constructive language: Instead of simply labeling someone “good for nothing,” it might be more helpful to address specific behavior or issues.

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Lazy bones”	“आलसी”
“Worthless”	“बेकार”
“A dead weight”	“बोझ”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, the term “good for nothing” is often used to describe individuals who are perceived as lazy or unmotivated. It carries a strong negative connotation and can imply moral judgment or failure to live up to societal expectations.
Indian Context: In India, this idiom is used similarly to criticize people who do not contribute or fulfill responsibilities. It is often directed at individuals who are seen as dependent or who do not live up to the family’s or society’s expectations of hard work and contribution.
Global Relevance: While the phrase exists in many languages and cultures, the emphasis on usefulness and contribution is universal. The term “good for nothing” can be understood across different cultures, though it may have varying levels of harshness depending on the context.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever been labeled “good for nothing”? How did it make you feel?
• How can we motivate people who feel they are not meeting expectations?
• Is there a time when someone was unfairly labeled “good for nothing”?