What are some Jamaican slang words?

These are the top Jamaican sayings and phrases to use when you visit Jamaica:
  • 'Weh Yuh Ah Seh' The literal translation of this Jamaican saying is, “What are you saying?”. ...
  • 'Boonoonoonoos' ...
  • 'Small Up Yuhself' ...
  • 'Wah Gwaan' ...
  • 'Irie' ...
  • 'Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know' ...
  • 'Weh Yuh Deh Pon' ...
  • 'Ya Mon'
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sandals.com


What is a famous Jamaican saying?

Jamaican Sayings for Life

Life isn't fair. Things are not always as they seem. Sheltered persons don't know true hardship or troubles. Danger lurks nearby when there is too much merriment and excitement.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on quotabulary.com


What slang do Jamaicans speak?

Our local dialect, Jamaican Patois, is a colorful and energetic sing-song language that constantly evolves. Some refer to our native tongue as broken English, heavily influenced by our African, Spanish, French, and English colonial heritage.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on visitjamaica.com


What does B mean in Jamaican slang?

backside or baxside: bottom or buttocks, used as a curse term.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaicans.com


What's up in Jamaican slang?

Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting to enquire how somebody is or what's up.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theculturetrip.com


Jamaican Phrases Part 1



What does mi deh yah mean?

'Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know'

The expression is often used as a response to "wah gwaan, and it means "Everything is okay." It may also mean "I'm doing well."
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sandals.com


What does boo mean in Jamaican?

Boo - This term, derived from the French word 'Beau' (meaning beautiful) is also popular. 18. Boobie - Another one with unknown origins but is frequently used. 19. Sugarplum - A unisex name that is often used.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaica.loopnews.com


What does SML mean in Jamaican texting?

SML is an online and texting acronym that means various things. It can mean screw my life, so much love, or sometimes so much laughter. Related words: SOML.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


How do you respond to wah gwan?

A usual response to wagwan can be nagwan, or “nothing's going on,” (i.e., not much). No matter how you say it, small talk is universal, it seems. Wagwan can also be used grammatically within a statement rather than just a stand-alone greeting (e.g. I never know wagwan on The Bachelorette).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


What does Papi mean in Jamaican?

Papi is a colloquial term for “daddy” in Spanish, but in many Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in the Caribbean, it is often used as a general term of affection for any man, whether it's a relative, friend, or lover.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.com


Why do Jamaicans say Irie?

Irie – Irie in Jamaica is a commonly used phrase and can mean a few things. Typically, the irie meaning translastes to “everything is fine”. So, if a Jamaican asks you How yuh stay? it would be perfectly acceptable to respond with a mi irie.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on isleblue.co


Why do Jamaicans say respect?

Why do Jamaicans say respect? Jamaicans use respect often among their selves which tells you how important it is. In some ways it's a bit like namaste (kind of a stretch) which means "I honor the soul within you." Life can be hard in Jamaica. Simply expressing your respect for those you meet can go along way.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on answers-to-all.com


How do you say BAE in Jamaican?

Boonoonoonus – Made popular (and likely created) by Jamaican folklorist 'Miss Lou', boonoonoonus was used as a term of endearment for loved ones. At one time, boonoonoonus was as widely used as the word 'bae' is today.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaicans.com


What does Swydn mean in texting?

Definition: So, What You Doing? Type: Abbreviation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.tn


What does Booyakasha mean in Jamaican?

booyaka (Phrase)

Meaning/Description: A term used to emulate the sound of a gun shot salute. It is used in a celebratory tone.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaicans.com


What does Bumbaclarts mean?

According to Know Your Meme, Bomboclaat can also be spelled Bumbaclaat, Bumbclaat or Bumbaclot. It is an expletive Jamaican Patwah slang word for a menstrual pad or toilet paper. The phrase is used as an insult or an interjection expressing disgust or anger.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thetab.com


What does mi Deya mean in Jamaican?

Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know' The expression is often used as a response to “wah gwaan, and it means “Everything is okay.” It may also mean “I'm doing well.”
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dictionary.tn


Does Chulo mean pimp?

Chulo means “pimp” as a noun BUT, you can also use it as an adjective, which means cute or cool.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thelocal.es


How do Jamaicans say thank you?

Give thanx – Give thanks! Selah – Selah. Seet deh – That's how it is! Up top – Thanks/ bless!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaicans.com


What is bye in Jamaican?

“Mi Gaan” – I'm gone, Goodbye. “Lata” – Later ; See you later. “Inna Di Morrows” – See you tomorrow. “Walk gud / tek care” – Stay Safe / Take Care. Walk good in this sense means to stay out of trouble or to be careful.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on jamaicans.com
Previous question
Is clear skin attractive?