चार्जिंग लगा था

You use this phrase when someone asks why you didn't pick up. It works for phones, laptops, or even power banks. You don't need a complex subject like 'I' or 'My phone'. Just saying the phrase is enough to be understood. It’s short, punchy, and very common in modern Indian households.

Use it when you finally see a missed call from your mom or a friend. It’s perfect for those awkward moments when your battery died at 2%. You can use it in a professional setting if your laptop died during a Zoom call. It’s also a great way to end a conversation if you need to go. Just say you need to put the phone on charging.

Don't use this if you were actually ignoring someone's call on purpose. They might ask why you didn't hear the ringtone! Avoid using it in very high-level formal writing. It’s a spoken expression, not a literary one. Also, don't use it for things that don't use electricity. You can't say your 'brain' was on चार्जिंग unless you're being very sarcastic.

India has a massive smartphone culture, but also frequent power cuts in some areas. Because of this, 'charging' is a constant topic of conversation. People are always looking for a 'point' (socket). This phrase became a universal 'get out of jail free' card for late replies. It reflects the transition of Hindi into 'Hinglish' where English tech words are used with Hindi grammar.

You might hear चार्ज में लगा था (Charge mein laga tha) which is slightly more grammatical. Younger people often just say चार्जिंग पे था (Charging pe tha). If you are currently charging it, you say चार्जिंग पर लगा है (Charging par laga hai). If you want to be extra polite, add सॉरी (Sorry) at the beginning. It softens the blow of the missed communication.