What is Jamaican slang called?

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.

What are some Jamaican slang words?

What language is Patwa?

Jamaican Patwa, is known locally as Patois (Patwa or Patwah) is an English-based creole language with West African influences. It is spoken primarily in Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora. Additionally, it is called Jamaican Creole by linguists.

Why do Jamaicans speak patois?

The speaking of patois is a reference to the time when most Jamaicans ancestors were taken from their homeland, and forced to speak English. Jamaicans as a people are very proud of the struggle that their ancestors have had to fight through and over come, making patois a staple of any true Jamaican.

What does patois mean?

Definition of patois

1a : a dialect other than the standard or literary dialect. b : uneducated or provincial speech. 2 : the characteristic special language of an occupational or social group : jargon.

Jamaican Phrases Part 1

What does fi mean in Jamaica?

fi (Conjunction)

Meaning/Description: to, for.

What can you not say to a Jamaican?

How do Jamaicans say hello?

Ello is the most common way to say hello in Jamaican patois. It is very similar to the English version but they don't pronounce the 'h' at the start. ​​Wah gwaan is a casual and friendly greeting which literally means 'what's going on'. It can be used to say hello or to ask someone how they are.

How do you reply to Wagwan?

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).

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.

Is Creole broken English?

Lucian Creole has been called “broken French,” and Gullah and other English Creoles have been called “broken English.” Those responsible for propagating such unfair and inaccurate assessments are generally speakers of the standard languages, and particularly members of the education establishment, who would rather see ...

What does Wah Gwaan mean?

'Wah Gwaan'

Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting to enquire how somebody is or what's up.

What do Rastafarians say?

Understand the words "Rasta" "Jah Jah", and "dread." A Rastafarian will refer to themselves as a "Rasta", or call other Rastafarians "Rasta." "Jah Jah" is used to praise Jah or refer to Jah. For example: "Jah Jah protect mi fram mi enemy dem." In English, this means: "Jehovah protect me from my enemies."

What does Bloodclaat mean slang?

vulgar slang Caribbean. 1A sanitary towel. 2In various imprecatory uses.

How are you in Jamaican slang?

Howdeedo – How are you? This is a very common greeting phrase among the elderly folks in Jamaican communities.

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.

What do Jamaicans call their friends?

Jamaican – Yardie, Yard man. Friend – Bredren (male), Sistren (female) Well Done – Big up, Respect. Excellent – Sell off, Tun up, Wicked.

What does Bagga mouth mean?

Bagga mouth | Patois Definition on Jamaican Patwah

| Bagga mouth - Slang expression used to refer to a person who is all talk but no action.

How do you say brother in Jamaican?

Is Patois and creole the same?

Jamaican Patois, known locally as Patois (Patwa or Patwah) and called Jamaican Creole by linguists, is an English-based creole language with West African influences.

What Ras means?

RAS (Reticular Activating System)

What does Dutty mean in Jamaican?

Meaning/Description: dirty.