New Delhi: Known for his linguistic flair and jaw-breaking vocabulary, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor left social media in splits, and some in self-doubt, after a minor typo in one of his X (formerly Twitter) posts on Friday evening (June 28). While attempting to write the word concerned, Tharoor accidentally typed "conderned", leading to a barrage of confused and amused reactions online.
The slip-up, though ordinary by most standards, prompted users to double-check their dictionaries before questioning the word’s existence. “When Shashi Tharoor makes a typo, we first assume it’s a real word,” wrote one user. Another asked with curiosity, “What’s condered, good sir? New word?”
Tharoor, known for engaging directly with his followers, responded with characteristic humour, "Concerned, when typed with a fat and careless thumb."
Have a look at the exchange here:
The internet, never one to let such moments pass quietly, erupted with wit. “Sir, even if you mistype, people will wonder if it’s a valid word,” posted one user, summing up the general sentiment. Another joked, “Breaking: Shashi Tharoor can make spelling mistakes!” while a third quipped, “Where can I buy the Tharoor-Oxford dictionary?”
The viral exchange only added to Tharoor’s legendary status online, where his fans, and even critics, often look forward to his lexical gymnastics.
Have a look at some other reactions here:




Tharoor's Rift With Congress
The typo comes at a time when Tharoor is making headlines for reasons beyond vocabulary. His recent remarks in the 'Operstion Sindoor' dialogue abroad has widened speculation about a growing distance between him and the Congress leadership.
Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge recently said, “The Congress always puts the nation first, but for some, Modi comes first,” in what many perceived as a veiled swipe at Tharoor. Not long after, the MP posted an image of a bird in flight, captioned, “Don’t ask permission to fly. The wings are yours, and the sky belongs to no one.”
In response, Congress leader Manickam Tagore tweeted, “Even a free bird must watch the skies,” a pointed remark that hinted at caution, and perhaps a looming storm.