I always assumed the English word powder was somehow distantly related to the word "podi," but I never bothered to research it. Now it's confirmed, thanks teacher. I've always thought the Cambodian word for violence, "hungsaa," is related to the Indian word "ahimsa", meaning non-violence, but I've never confirmed it.
I love learning things like this about languages.
LOL I am no teacher, just wanted to share what that word meant so people don't wonder what this condiment is all about.
We have a lot of languages here in India so we learn by relating them like you did here.
Funny, I am actually thinking of selling several different podis as tabletop seasonings in the USA. I'll likely be there for 3 months, so it could be an easy way to earn some side money. But your point makes me realize I'll have to rename it for the American customer, and I can't think of anything better than "gunpowder."
Americans love their guns, so why not put gunpowder on their bland food to give it a bang 🔫?
Gun powder is what we call the podi which we use as an accompaniment to rice with Ghee.
Its called Gunpowder because it is explosive in terms of heat.
The amount of red chilies we use in that mix is smelled to be believed .. that happens when you open the lid of your blender and you go into a torrent of sneezes.
I am well acquainted with this, I always have to remind my daughters to step away from the grinder 🌶️💣👃!!!