Mumbai, Aug 22 - Many felt the title of Vishal Bharadwaj's latest hit 'Kaminey' was odd. But lyricist Gulzar says that far from being abusive, it is a term of endearment.

In fact, his old associate and friend Om Puri actually comes to Gulzar's home, has his favourite snacks and waits to hear the favourite 'k' word.

'The last time he visited Om said, 'Abhi tak aapne mujhe ek baar kamina nahin kaha'. It's like a little affectionate pat planted on the shoulder like a mock slap to let the other person know you care,' Gulzar, who has penned the lyrics of 'Kaminey' songs, told IANS.

'Far from being a negative term 'kaminey' is actually a term of endearment... unless added to 'kuttey' (dog). It's only 'kuttey kaminey' that's used angrily and negatively. When a friend doesn't visit us when he's in town, we call him 'kamina'.

'The word can be translated as 'mean' in English. Kids say, 'Papa you're mean'. Likewise when a mother says to her son, 'Kamina kahin ka', she is expressing a love beyond the annoyance visible in the word.'

Gulzar is riding high on the charts again with the songs of 'Kaminey'.