Know Your English (Sep 2001)

Know your English

Does the word "timepass" exist?

It certainly does; at least it is alive and kicking in Indian English. We often use this word in our country to mean a good way of spending one's time. For example, we hear people say.
* The movie was a good timepass.
* It was just timepass.
* I always take a book with me when I travel. It's good timepass.
The word however does not exist in the native varieties of English. The native speaker would normally say, "pass time".
* The movie was an enjoyable way of passing one's time.
* I always take a book with me when I travel. It's a nice way of passing one's time.
* I passed time watching the kids at play.


Source:
The Hindu daily, Tuesday, September 04, 2001