Waatho refers to a specific breed of hunting dog. Waatho literally means “the one who restrains or captures.” But when this element is transferred into human behavior, it becomes a serious social evil, as means flattery and a slave mentality.
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
Some time ago, a video clip went viral on social media in which a man was shouting at a minister. Another person tried to silence him, to which the shouting man retorted mockingly, “You stay quiet, Waatha.” This triggered laughter among those present.
Now, let us understand this word Waatho. What does it actually mean?
The Sindhi language carries within it vast oceans of meaning. Behind every word lies a history, an environment, and a layer of human psychology. One such word is Waatho. In everyday usage, it is often thrown at someone sarcastically, but its true meaning and social context are far deeper than what appears on the surface.
Literal Meaning and Background: The Wild Boar Hunter
According to Sindhi lexicons, Waatho refers to a specific breed of hunting dog raised especially for hunting wild boar (locally called miroon). This dog is known for being exceptionally brave, agile, and obedient to its owner’s signals. During a hunt, the Waatho does not merely bark; it grabs the dangerous wild boar by the ear and pins it to the ground, holding it there until the hunter arrives to finish the job.
Here, Waatho literally means “the one who restrains or captures.”
But when this loyalty is transferred into human behavior, it becomes a serious social evil.
Social Meaning: Flattery and a Slave Mentality
When we call a person Waatho, we are not praising their bravery; we are mocking their servile mindset. Socially, a Waatho is someone who becomes a tool of a powerful individual: a feudal lord, political leader, or senior officer, someone who has placed their conscience and independent thinking at their master’s feet.
If we examine the traits of such a human, Waatho, we find striking parallels with the hunting dog. Just as the dog does not move without its owner’s signal, this person takes no step without their “master’s” approval. Like the hunting dog, they are used to suppress political or social opponents, attack critics verbally, and “restrain” dissenting voices.
A Waatho’s only job is loyalty to the master. Therefore, they present even their master’s wrongdoings as truth, indulging in excessive praise and shameless flattery.
How Waathagiri Blocks Social Progress
Unfortunately, in our society, especially in rural Sindh and political drawing rooms, Waathagiri (this behavior) has evolved into a culture. When Waathas are rewarded instead of capable and deserving individuals, pathways for innovation and reform are closed.
These characters surround their masters and isolate honest people. As a result, ordinary citizens are deprived of justice and basic rights.
The Psychological Side of Waathagiri
The question arises: why does a person abandon self-respect and become a Waatho?
There are many reasons, but mainly, for example, fear of punishment by the powerful, greed for small benefits such as jobs, money, or favors, and ignorance of one’s own individuality and self-worth.
Interestingly, many become Waathas simply so people recognize them as “so-and-so’s man” or someone close to a powerful figure.
In the end, we must think that on the land of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, where people are taught to speak the truth even if it costs their head, living life as a Waatho is a national tragedy.
We must understand the difference between loyalty and slavery. Loyalty is to principles. Waathagiri is dependent on interests and signals.
Today’s youth must choose knowledge and consciousness over becoming Waathos, instead of acting like hunting dogs on someone else’s command, restraining others, they should create new horizons of progress for society through awareness and education.
Remember: the one who offers himself to restrain others first chains his own self, and sacrifices his freedom.
Read: Power and Neglect Behind Naming Streets
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
