Tamada: The toastmaster. Responsible for making the table wonderful, for making people comfortable and for giving everyone a chance to speak. Not always the host, in fact, in Georgia the tamada is rarely the host.
The Toast: These are the words said at the table. There are sixteen (or so) traditional toasts, and if the table gets to all sixteen you know you’ve been to an amazing kepi. Each toast is initiated by the tamada and each toast comes with a theme. Once the theme has been “started” by the tamada, guests at the table have a chance to add their remarks with an alaverde.
Alaverde: This is what the tamada gives to other folks at the table. It is like a green light to speak; a blessing if you will. An alaverde may be requested by guests or offered by the tamada. Either way, the alaverde is an invitation to toast on the subject at hand.
Gagemarjos/ Gaumarjos: This phrase means “To Victory!” It is said at the end of each toast and said with vigor. Gagemarjos is the singular, Gaumarjos is plural. Say it with frequency and you will begin to understand the mystique of the kepi.
Vice-Tamada: This is often the oldest man at the Supra, though not always. The vice-tamada “runs” the table from the other end, so to speak. He can introduce toasts though he should not do so without consent of the tamada.
Melikepe: This man/woman is in charge of the wine. He makes sure everyone has wine before each toast. He must also be a bit of a schmoozer, making jokes as he goes from wine glass to wine glass. Often there are two or three melikepe, especially at big kepis.
Vahktanguri: This is a special drink, usually a shot of vodka or a full horn of wine. Often, vahktanguri is done with more than two men locking arms and finishing their drink in one shot... followed by the shout Vahktanguri (together always!). Only the tamada can “send” a vahktanguri.
Fifth Toast: The toast to the dead. This is a very serious toast and the table is at a hush as the tamada introduces this toast. In Georgia all men stand, women sit. Everyone is expected to finish their toast balumde.
Balumde: To finish your glass as a sign of respect.
Toast to Women: During this toast all men stand. To stay seated as a man is to imply that you have not yet reached maturity.
Bidjo: Simply friend. A phrase heard often by nights’ end.
Supra: A formal name for the party you are about to experience. Kepi simply means table. Supra is the party itself including the traditions and the food and the toasts and the rules and the love.