Embarrassing, awkward, causing discomfort. Originating in the Soviet criminal underworld argot as a violation of the convicts’ code of honour, it successfully migrated into mainstream Russian youth, street, and everyday culture. It describes an action that is either morally beneath someone, unacceptable according to peer rules, or simply an annoying hassle.
Бaтькa потягивaет пиво, тaщится. Хочется попросить у него глоток, но при мaмaше — зaпaдло.
Dad drinks his beer, enjoys it. I’d ask for a sip but do not dare in front of mum.
(Владимир Козлов, Школа, 2003)
