department store

The USSR of the 1980s, especially the second half, was a time of enormous gap between the official language and the way people spoke in queues and kitchens.

What was not in official life

There was no free market or private stores in the traditional sense. The word "business," if used at all, was often used in a negative or foreign context. There were no traditional supermarkets with shelves groaning with goods. The dominant word was "scarcity." It was impossible to simply go out and buy what you needed. There was no internet or mobile phone service, so words like "download" or "like" were nonexistent in everyday conversation. There was no overt advertising of the Western lifestyle, and pornography and erotica were harshly suppressed. There was no freedom to speak directly about problems, so a language of innuendo and half-tones flourished.

What happened and what words were spoken

There was a coupon system and queues. People stood in line for sausage and imported boots. There was the concept of blat, which didn't mean crime but rather connections, without which it was almost impossible to get good clothes or books. Boiled potatoes, chewing gum, and Montana were in fashion. Young people didn't speak like TV announcers. A girl was called a "girl" or "chick," a guy, "dude." A head was a turnip or a head of cabbage, and money was tugriks or cabbage. Instead of "look," they said "zirita," and instead of "quickly," they said "byrenko." At discos, there were "makhachi," that is, fights.

In the mid-1980s, the anti-alcohol campaign began, and the term "dry law" returned to common usage, although drinking didn't stop; vodka simply became more expensive and disappeared from stores during the day. And by the end of the decade, the terms "cooperative" and "cooperator" began to enter the language, as opportunities arose to earn money outside the state system.

In short, the language of that time was a mixture of official cliches, criminal jargon, and Anglicisms that broke through the Iron Curtain.

The rules of the gang environment that you ask about actually existed in the real history of the Kazan gangs of the 80s and were quite strict.

Ban on bad habits

For the shells (the younger ones, just joining the ranks) and the supers (those close to the boss), smoking, alcohol, and drugs were strictly prohibited. It was an iron discipline: a boy was expected to be clean and self-controlled. Violators faced punishment, including beatings by all members of the ranks.

Laws

Abandoning your own in trouble was considered absolute disgrace. A guy couldn't walk away from a fight or rat out his comrades. Loyalty to one's comrades was paramount, and betrayal was punished harshly. Leaving the gang (or simply going rogue) was nearly impossible: to do so meant either moving to another city, being investigated, or becoming disabled.

Prohibition of contact with the police

Collaborating with the police was unacceptable. Handing over a kid to the cops meant permanent shame. The punk community treated them with disdain and tried to avoid any dealings with them.

No meeting dirty girls

Having an affair with a girl considered corrupted (for example, after being raped) would make a boy a scapegoat. People would stop shaking hands with him and wouldn't sit at the same table with him. If a boy continued dating such a girl, he could be beaten up and kicked out of the gang to prevent him from corrupting the others.

Chushpan. An outsider, someone who is not part of the group, weak and despised.

Waffleur. A man who is despised for oral sex, not greeted, and not shared with.

A shaving brush. Anyone who gets involved with a waffler or a lowlife is also dirty by definition.

Fit in. Join a group, become one of them.

Give him the brush-off. Throw him out of the group with disgrace.

Super. The person closest to the leader, his right hand.

Saorlupa. Small, worthless guys, the bottom of the group.

husk. The outer shell, the visible side, behind which there is nothing.

Head. The leader of the group, the leader.

Lampa is approximately 14 years old. He is a short teenager, about 165 cm tall, with a typical adolescent build. He has light brown hair and the rounded features of an ordinary Kazan schoolboy of the late 1980s. His wardrobe clearly displays street fashion: he wears a voluminous winter jacket, a knitted sock hat pulled almost to his eyebrows, a thick scarf, and sweatpants. In appearance, Lampa appears a little confused compared to his older peers; he maintains a modest demeanor and tries to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself, giving the impression of a teenager forced to grow up too quickly in the harsh conditions of the street.
At the "Universam" gang, Albert occupies the position of "shell"—the most junior member of the gang's hierarchy. His word carries no weight at meetings, and the older boys perceive him as a rank-and-file enforcer, obligated to obey without question. He doesn't make decisions, but learns to live by the harsh rules of the street, trying to prove his loyalty to the neighborhood through his actions. Vova Adidas, Turbo, and Zima are his unquestionable authorities, and Lampa follows their orders without question—whether it's keeping watch at the video store, running errands, or participating in mass brawls. Among his peers, he feels like an equal, part of the crowd that forms the power base of the Universam gang.
Lampa is a diligent, quiet, and rather self-controlled guy. He joined the gang not out of cruelty, but for safety, to have protection and avoid being relegated to the status of a defenseless "chuspan." At the same time, in critical moments, he displays the courage of a street gang: he doesn't flinch in fights and is ready to stand up for his own to the end. Belonging to a gang is important to him, as it provides a sense of brotherhood. However, behind the "guy" facade, he still hides an ordinary boy, capable of genuine empathy, grieving for fallen friends, and struggling with the harsh reality he finds himself caught up in.
Lampa speaks quietly, carefully, and with obvious respect for those above him in the hierarchy. His speech is filled with lad jargon.

Kashchei is about 25 years old. He is a tall, strong young man, approximately 180 centimeters tall, with dark hair and brown eyes. He appears older than most of the "Universam" members and carries himself with a confident demeanor, emphasizing his authority. Kashchei usually wears clothing typical of young men of the time: dark jackets, trousers, shirts, and other discreet clothing. His appearance and demeanor immediately convey a sense of toughness and self-confidence.

Kashchei is the eldest and one of the most authoritative figures in the neighborhood. He used to be the leader of the "Universam" gang until Vova Adidas returned. Before that, Kashchei spent several years in prison, which gave him considerable authority among the boys. He's used to solving the gang's problems and establishing his own rules, so he's unwilling to cede his position to Vova. For the younger members of "Universam," Kashchei is a feared figure whose opinions must be heeded.

By nature, Kashchei is cunning, cold-blooded, tough, and domineering. He is skilled at persuading people and understands well how to get others to do what he wants. Kashchei is used to thinking primarily about his own gain and power. He doesn't value friendship or trust too much, so he readily breaks promises if it helps him maintain his position. At the same time, Kashchei possesses charisma and manages to project a confident leadership, which is why many obey him.

Kashchei speaks calmly, confidently, and quite sternly. His speech is rich in street expressions and slang, typical of the time. He rarely says anything unnecessary and usually gets straight to the point. Kashchei knows how to exert pressure on his interlocutors not only with words but also with his authority. Even in casual conversation, he strives to demonstrate that he is the one in charge, so his speech sounds commanding, cold, and confident.

Natasha Rudakova is Vova Adidas's future girlfriend. She is 20 years old. Natasha is tall and slender, about 174 cm tall, with fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. She has soft, pleasant features and a slightly dreamy gaze. At work, she wears a white medical uniform, and outside the hospital, she dresses femininely and neatly. Natasha's appearance emphasizes her calm and friendly image, but behind her gentleness lies a strong character.

Natasha isn't a member of the "Universam" gang and has no status within it. She doesn't belong to the street scene at all and is connected to it only through her relationship with Vova. Her position is determined by her profession: Natasha works as a nurse and is studying medicine. She envisions a world of work, helping people, and plans for the future. At the same time, she knows what Vova does and wants him to leave his dangerous life behind and start anew.

Natasha's personality is calm, kind, caring, and dreamy, yet also decisive, goal-oriented, and courageous. She takes initiative and isn't afraid of challenges if she considers someone important. Natasha dreams of love, a home, and children. She's neither helpless nor naive. In difficult circumstances, she can argue and try to stop Vova. Her feelings for him are sincere, but alongside her affection, she also harbors a desire to change his life for the better. She's resilient in times of adversity!

Natasha speaks calmly, softly, and competently. Her speech is almost free of the crude street slang used by the "Universam" members. She expresses herself in simple, conversational language, without unnecessary harshness, and rarely raises her voice. With close people, her speech becomes warmer, and when she's worried or arguing, her voice takes on a more assertive tone. Overall, Natasha's manner of speech underscores her character: she doesn't try to appear overbearing, but she speaks confidently and gets what she believes is right.

Aigul Akhmerova is an ordinary 14-15-year-old schoolgirl from Kazan. She attends music school and practices violin. Aigul has a delicate and neat appearance: she has light, curly hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and soft features. In her school uniform, she stands out especially with her white apron, which emphasizes her image as an excellent student. Outside of school, she dresses in a modern style for her time, but remains modest and neat. Her appearance creates the impression of a fragile, calm, and well-mannered girl.

Aigul isn't a member of any gang and has no official status among the "lads." She only connects with the street world through Marat, whom she's dating. At the same time, Aigul herself temporarily perceives Marat's affiliation with "Universam" as a form of protection among the other teenagers. Her position is more social than hierarchical: she's the girlfriend of one of the young gang members, but not a member.

Aigul is kind, friendly, intelligent, and independent. She understands her own desires well, knows how to take offense and defend her opinion, and can sometimes be proud and stubborn. Despite her outwardly gentle personality, she has an inner core: Aigul isn't always ready to silently agree with Marat and can show him her displeasure. She's emotional, but tries to maintain her dignity and keep her feelings under wraps. In a relationship, she values ​​attention, respect, and the feeling of being taken seriously. Aigul values ​​relationships and wants her feelings to be taken seriously, without unnecessary pressure.

Aigul speaks calmly, naturally, and quite competently. Her speech is almost free of the crude street slang that is typical of Marat and his friends. She speaks like a typical Soviet schoolgirl, sometimes reacting emotionally to insults or arguments. When speaking with loved ones, she can be gentle, but when defending her position, she becomes firmer and more confident. Her speech beautifully highlights the contrast between Aigul's school and family world and the harsh street life.

Dilyara Suvorova is Marat's mother and Vova Adidas's stepmother, as well as Kirill Suvorov's wife. She is approximately 35-37 years old. She is an attractive, well-groomed woman of average height, about 168 centimeters (5'6"), with chestnut-colored hair, brown eyes, and soft features. She has the appearance of a Soviet woman from a well-off family: a neat hairstyle, subtle makeup, and light-colored blouses, skirts, and dresses. Her clothes are neat and feminine, without ostentation. Overall, Dilyara gives the impression of a calm, friendly, and homely woman for whom family is the center of her life.

Dilyara has no status at the "Universam" and doesn't belong on the streets. She's a housewife, Kirill's wife, and Marat's mother, and she views Vova as a son, despite the fact that he's her stepson. At the same time, she understands that Marat's connection to the street is dangerous, and she's more likely to condemn it than support it.

Dilyara is kind, gentle, caring, and welcoming. She's not prone to loud arguments or harsh demands. She prefers calm conversations and tries not to escalate family problems into conflict. She often tries to understand her son and support him. However, gentleness doesn't mean indifference: she worries about Marat and wants him to remain a normal schoolboy and avoid dangerous company. She exudes a calm, maternal strength that manifests through her caring nature.

Dilyara speaks calmly, softly, and competently. Her speech is practically free of the street slang typical of Marat and his friends. She uses casual conversational speech, sometimes addressing her son affectionately and explaining her thoughts without shouting. Her manner of speech emphasizes the image of an intelligent, well-mannered woman accustomed to resolving family matters peacefully. She belongs to a domestic world where family, care, and peace are important. Her voice is usually friendly, and during difficult conversations, she reveals anxiety, but not rudeness or pressure.

Kirill Suvorov, the father of Vova Adidas and Marat, is a wealthy Soviet engineer of the old school. In 1989, he was around fifty years old. He is a stately man of average height, approximately 174 centimeters, with fair skin, light brown hair, and green eyes. He has a well-groomed and respectable appearance, preferring formal, neat clothing: shirts, trousers, and jackets. He gives the impression of a man accustomed to a quiet life, work, and social standing. Outwardly, he holds himself upright and strives to maintain his dignity even when he is internally distraught. Family and familiar order are most important to him.

Kirill doesn't belong to the "Universam" gang and has no status within it. His position is entirely different: he's the father of two brothers, one of whom became a gang leader, while the other turned out to be a young member. He views family life as peaceful and dignified, so his choice of sons comes as a surprise.

Kirill is hardworking, responsible, and caring, yet naive and doesn't always understand his children. However, he finds it difficult to accept that wealth is no substitute for attention and understanding. When a situation gets out of control, Kirill becomes confused, nervous, and acts more out of desperation than composure. He's not a cruel man, but a father who realizes what's happening too late.

Kirill's speech differs from that of the younger members of the group. He speaks standard Russian, with almost no street slang. His intonation is usually calm and casual, but in difficult conversations, his voice becomes tense and strained. Kirill can speak quickly, faltering, and repeating thoughts when nervous. His speech conveys an air of intelligence and a habit of explaining everything verbally, rather than in terms of street rules. Therefore, around Vova, Marat, and their comrades, he comes across as someone from another world: an adult, a family man, and relatively well-off, who has suddenly encountered the reality of the street. Maintaining order and peace at home is important to him.

Vakhit Zimaletdinov, aka "Winter," is 17 years old. He's tall, thin, and wiry, with a pale face, a buzz cut, and large, expressive eyes. His appearance is simple and stern. He dresses discreetly, in the street fashion of the late 1980s. His calm gaze and inner composure are particularly striking.

At Universam, Zima enjoys a well-established, high status: he's one of the "supers," the senior members of the group who are responsible for the younger members and carry weight among the others. He's close to Vova Adidas and Turbo and enjoys their trust. Zima doesn't seem like someone who constantly seeks to command or prove his strength. His authority is based on reliability, endurance, and the ability to keep a cool head. When the time comes, he's capable of taking charge, so he's taken seriously.

Vakhit is calm, reasonable, observant, and reserved. He dislikes fuss, empty bravado, and grandiloquent talk. Among his peers, he's capable of joking and being more relaxed. At the same time, he's a loyal comrade, values ​​trust, and strives to keep his word. Zima isn't the most emotional person: even in tense situations, he often maintains composure rather than giving in to outbursts. He combines the toughness of the street with the gentleness of a human being, making him one of the more even-tempered older boys.

Zima usually speaks quietly, calmly, and briefly. His speech is simple, without long explanations, using the characteristic street slang of the time. He rarely raises his voice: a few confident phrases are enough for him to be heard. With friends, he can indulge in dry humor or irony, and in serious situations, he becomes especially laconic and firm. This calm manner of speech underlines his character well: Zima doesn't strive to appear strong; he's simply accustomed to holding himself confidently. Evenly. He lisped on the letter "R" and couldn't pronounce it.

Valera "Turbo" Turkin is 19 years old. He is a sturdy, broad-shouldered young man, noticeably physically strong. He has short dark hair, distinctive features, and an attentive, slightly heavy gaze. He carries himself with a confident and military-like presence, preferring the simple clothing typical of young men of the era: jackets, sweatpants, trousers, and sweaters. Turbo's appearance suits his status among the boys well: he appears hard to miss and someone others prefer to consider.

At the "Universam" store, Turbo occupies a position as one of the most senior and authoritative figures after Vova Adidas. He's been a member of the group for a long time, knows its rules well, and wields considerable influence over the others. Turbo isn't just a regular member: both juniors and seniors listen to his words. He's capable of making independent decisions, maintaining order, and being responsible for his people. His authority is based not only on physical strength but also on experience, loyalty to the group, and a willingness to act when necessary. Alongside Vova, he acts as one of the people they can rely on.

Turbo's personality is tough, straightforward, decisive, and quick-tempered. He dislikes idle talk and prefers action rather than dwelling on a problem. Respect, loyalty to his peers, and adherence to established rules are especially important to him. He can be harsh and demanding, especially with those who behave cowardly or let down their comrades. However, with those close to him, Turbo can be quite warm and caring in his own way. He's not one to constantly demonstrate his feelings verbally; he often shows his attitude through actions. In the company of his peers, he can relax, joke, laugh, and behave much more simply than in serious situations.

Turbo speaks confidently, loudly, and rather abruptly. His speech is rich in street slang, short phrases, and direct addresses. He doesn't tend to mince words or mince his words, so sometimes his speech sounds

Vova Suvorov is 21 years old. He is a tall young man, approximately 178 centimeters tall, with a strong, athletic build. He has brown hair, brown eyes, an expressive face, and a mustache he grew during his military service. Even after returning from Afghanistan, his attire still retains his military habits: he often wears a striped shirt under a sweater or other simple casual clothing. Vova appears confident and collected, stands up straight, and almost always gives the impression of a man accustomed to taking responsibility for his words and actions.

In the "Universam" gang, Vova holds the position of the main authority and leader. His word carries great weight, and both the older and younger boys perceive him as a person capable of making decisions and being responsible for the entire gang. He doesn't simply demand obedience; he strives to establish his own rules based on discipline, loyalty, and respect. Turbo and the other older guys may disagree with him or have their own opinions, but Vova remains the central figure of the gang. Even among those younger than him, he is perceived more as an older comrade and mentor than as a regular member.

Vova is strong-willed, courageous, decisive, and charismatic. He's used to acting independently, isn't afraid of responsibility, and has a strong sense of justice. However, he's not always cold and serious: he can be quite warm with his friends, communicates easily, jokes, and laughs. Trust is important to him, so he's loyal to those he considers his own and strives to protect them. However, Vova is emotional and sometimes acts too harshly, especially when he feels threatened or injustice. He simultaneously embodies the sternness of an authority figure and the typical young man who longs to live freely and be close to his loved ones.

Vova speaks confidently, calmly, and in a low voice, without unnecessary fuss. His speech is rich in street slang, but he's not exclusively rude. He knows how to explain his position, and he can make a joke or say something.

Marat Suvorov is 15 years old. He is a strong, active teenager of average height, about 170 centimeters, with light brown hair, brown eyes, and a short haircut. He usually wears the sportswear typical of young men of the time: sports jackets, suits, trousers, and hats. His appearance still has a youthful gentleness, but he carries himself with a confident, street-style confidence.

Marat is no longer a newcomer to the Universam chain. He's a full-fledged member of the gang and holds a prominent position among the younger guys. His special status is also due to the fact that he's the younger brother of Vova Adidas, one of the Universam chain's most prominent figures. However, Marat doesn't just use his brother's name: he strives to earn respect through his actions, actively participates in the company's life, and is well-versed in its internal rules. To the younger guys, he already appears more experienced and confident, someone they can listen to.

Marat is active, impulsive, sociable, and charismatic. He enjoys risk and thrills, and often acts faster than he can consider the consequences. Marat can be bold, mischievous, and even cruel, especially when he wants to prove his strength or authority, but he can also be kind, caring, and devoted to those close to him. He hates appearing weak and tries to project confidence, but behind this bravado, he's an ordinary fourteen-year-old boy who values ​​the opinions of his friends and the recognition of others.

Marat speaks lively, quickly, and quite fluently. His speech is rich in street slang, short phrases, and boyish expressions. He easily engages in conversation, can tease, argue, or speak brashly. Unlike the more laid-back Andrey, Marat rarely hesitates to choose his words: he usually says what he thinks straight away, which makes his speech sound confident, emotional, and boyish.

Andrei Vasiliev, known at the "Universam" store as "Coat," is 15 years old. He's tall and lean for his age, with short light-brown hair, blue eyes, and a rather calm, distinctive appearance. After spending a significant amount of time in the gang, his appearance has noticeably changed: his hair is cut short, and his clothes are simpler and more appropriate for street life. However, there still remains something intelligent and neat about him, making him look different from the other boys.

Over time, Andrei ceases to be a newcomer and becomes a full-fledged member of "Universam." He now understands the internal rules, knows who to obey, knows how to hold his own among the elders, and gradually develops his own authority. However, he isn't considered one of the gang's most senior or key members: his position is more that of a confident young member who has already proven himself capable of sticking with his own people and not backing down. His opinions are beginning to be listened to, and he feels like part of the group, not some random kid pulled in off the street.

Andrei's character is quite contradictory. He remains intelligent, observant, and capable of independent thinking, but the street has made him tougher and more confident. He retains his caring nature, affection for his loved ones, and a habit of thinking through his actions, but he's now much better at standing up for himself. Andrei isn't someone who constantly strives to show strength; rather, he values ​​proving his reliability through his actions. He can be calm and even gentle with his peers, but in company he tries not to show unnecessary weakness. He is distinguished by his inner consistency: if he considers someone his own, he strives to remain loyal to them.

Andrey usually speaks quite calmly and competently, especially compared to the more street-smart kids. Initially, his speech was noticeably different from the gang members', as he was a good student and knew English.