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When on the islands, you would possibly like to talk like an islander. It’s price a attempt, no less than! You possibly can dive into the native lingo of Caribbean islands like Jamaica as a part of your subsequent trip. There are many causes to do that, together with connecting with folks, being extra courteous, and getting an actual really feel of the native tradition.
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The locals in Jamaica use a language of their very own to speak. This native tongue is called Jamaican patois, and this language, in addition to commonplace English, is extensively spoken on the island. Whereas English audio system received’t have any points speaking whereas in Jamaica, it received’t damage to study extra concerning the native language.
Right here, we’ll be sharing among the most typical Jamaican phrases, sayings, and slang that islanders use of their day by day conversations. We hope that it helps you really feel proper at residence with us right here in Jamaica.
The preferred Jamaican slang
With out additional ado, these are the highest Jamaican slang, sayings, and phrases to make use of if you go to the island:
‘Boonoonoonoos’
Do you wish to specific that you simply love one thing or somebody to bits? Then you need to use the phrase “boonoonoonoos”, which might be translated as “particular individual”. For instance, you possibly can say that somebody is your “boonoonoonoos buddy”.
Will you be touring to Jamaica together with your “boonoonoonoos”? In that case, you two are certain to have a tremendous time!
‘Wah gwaan’
This phrase is often stated with a lot enthusiasm and could be a good dialog starter. It’s the Jamaican means of asking, “What’s up?” or “How are you?”. You might recall when former U.S. President Barack Obama visited Jamaica and introduced a now-famous speech earlier than the tip of his second time period. He greeted his viewers utilizing this catchy phrase, leading to roaring applause!
‘If a mud, a mud’
This phrase might be actually translated to, “If it’s dust, it’s dust”. It’s a means of claiming you must settle for the state of affairs or circumstances you’re introduced with for what they’re. This is without doubt one of the newer, stylish Jamaican phrases, and it communicates an acceptance of issues that can not be modified. A widely known various for this might be, “It’s what it’s”.
‘Zeen’
“Zeen” is an easy means of responding and agreeing to one thing that has been stated. The English translation for that is “Seen”, however, in observe, it means “Acquired it”, “Okay”, or “Sure”. “Irie” is a typical various for such a response, which we’ll clarify extra about under.
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Good to know: As one of many largest islands of the Caribbean, there are just a few airports in Jamaica. Listed here are the principle Jamaica international airports.
Widespread Jamaican sayings and phrases
‘Weh yuh ah seh’
The Jamaican phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is similar to “Wah gwaan”. In a literal sense, this phrase means “What are you saying?”. In Jamaica, you need to use this phrase in informal conversations to ask somebody how they’re doing. The phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is typically shortened to “Weh yaw seh”.
‘Small up yuhself’
You may be left scratching your head in the event you hear this phrase whereas on a public bus or making your means round Jamaica. “Small up your self” is the native means of claiming, “Make room”. This phrase turns out to be useful in crowded areas amongst pals or acquaintances. Relying on how it’s stated, although, strangers might discover the request to be impolite. So, in the event you’re on a bus or a taxi or simply making your means by means of a crowded space, you would possibly wish to stick to a well mannered “Excuse me”.
‘Irie’
“Irie” might be one of many best-known Jamaican phrases. It successfully communicates the laidback vibe of the islands. You would possibly hear Jamaicans and different Caribbean folks utilizing this Jamaican time period to convey, “All is nicely”. When requested “How are you?” or “How yuh keep?”, it might be completely acceptable to reply by saying “Mi irie”. That’s as a result of “irie” can even imply “okay” or “cool.” The phrase “Mi irie” interprets to “I am cool”. In fact, there are various different Jamaican phrases which are used for greetings on this island.
‘Mi deh yah, yuh know’
“Mi deh yah, yuh know” actually interprets to “Every part is okay, you already know.” This may additionally imply, “I’m doing nicely”. The phrase is usually utilized in response to “Wah gwaan”. Most individuals who say this can say it very quick, so that you’ll must pay attention carefully to catch on. If you’re saying it, you’ll want to pronounce it correctly and say it shortly, like one full phrase: mi-deh-yah!
‘Weh yuh deh pon’
“Weh yuh deh pon” interprets in English to, “What are you as much as?”. This phrase is most frequently used when greeting a buddy. Do you have to run into a neighborhood acquaintance whereas spending the day exploring your resort or round city, this might be a wonderfully welcome dialog starter. For those who’re on the receiving finish of this query, then you possibly can reply by saying one thing like “Mi deh yah”.
‘Ya mon’
“Ya mon” is correct up there with “irie” when it comes to common Jamaican phrases. Although this might actually translate to “Yeah, man”, “Ya mon” might be stated to any individual no matter gender or age. Within the literal sense, this phrase interprets to “No downside” or “Okay.” A great time to make use of this phrase could be in the event you’re provided an ice-cold island-inspired cocktail or beer. Then you possibly can reply with an enthusiastic, “Ya mon!”
‘Useless wid giggle’
Holidays are all about having unforgettable moments stuffed with leisure and laughter. If a specific individual or circumstance makes you giggle to the purpose that you would be able to barely comprise your self, then you definitely would possibly wish to use a phrase like “Mi lifeless wid giggle”. This phrase means “Dying with laughter”. You’re positive to come back throughout many humorous and chill folks on this island, so we’re positive that is a kind of phrases you’ll find yourself utilizing greater than as soon as.
‘Inna di morrows’
“Inna di morrows” is the Jamaican approach to say “See you tomorrow”. It could be used together with different phrases, for instance, “Mi a leff, inna di morrows”. Your tour information or bartender might say this as they log off their shifts, however you possibly can try it out your self to let somebody know you’ll see them once more the following day.
‘Inside luv’
“Inside luv” is a kind of Jamaican phrases that may aid you join with the locals when used proper. This phrase signifies that one has a deeper love and appreciation for a specific factor or second. For instance, you would possibly say, “Mi have internal luv fi your time”, to go with the restaurant workers for his or her service. Utilizing this time period conveys that you simply recognize one thing.
‘Mi quickly come’
“Mi quickly come” interprets to “I’ll be there quickly” or “I’ll be proper there”. This Jamaican phrase might be tough as ‘quickly’ can imply many issues! If you’re absorbing the solar on this sunny isle, you’ll have a larger appreciation of how and why issues appear to decelerate on ‘island time’. So if somebody tells you “mi quickly come”, it’s finest to not maintain your breath. They could arrive in a couple of minutes, hours, or perhaps a few days!
‘Mash up’
“Mash up” is widespread in Jamaica and throughout the whole Caribbean. It may be used as a verb or adjective to imply “Demolish/demolished” or “Destroy/destroyed”. You’ll seemingly hear this utilized in reference to one thing that’s in disarray, and the time period additionally carries some stage of disbelief or shock.
‘Bless up’
“Bless up” is the Jamaican means of claiming “Have a pleasant day”, and the phrase is typically used as a greeting or goodbye. “Bless up” carries with it some good Jamaican vibes, and you need to use it in conversations to want somebody nicely.
‘Lickkle extra’
The English translation for “Lickkle extra” is definitely “Little extra”, however it’s typically used outdoors of the context you’d anticipate. Folks usually imply “See you in a short time”, “Goodbye” or “Goodbye” once they use the time period. You’ll hear this typically when parting methods with folks whereas on the island.
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Good to know: There’s rather a lot to find about Jamaica, its people, and history. When you get the dangle of the lingo, you possibly can bounce proper into our publish detailing the origins of the flag of Jamaica.
Humorous Jamaican sayings
Along with the widespread sayings you would possibly choose up whereas attending to know Jamaica, you would possibly hear some somewhat humourous phrases and sayings as nicely. Listed here are some which are each catchy and hilarious:
“Blabba mout”
“Blabba mout” is considerably self-explanatory and interprets to “blabber mouth” in English. This time period, each in English and in Jamaican slang, is commonly used to explain somebody who talks an excessive amount of. Chatterbox is a well-liked various.
“Speak and style your tongue”
Actually, nobody ever actually thinks about tasting their tongue whereas they speak. This Jamaican phrase, alternatively, suggests you accomplish that, although not within the literal sense. The “speak and style your tongue” saying communicates the significance of considering earlier than you communicate.
“Each hoe have dem stik a bush”
Used as a reassuring phrase for single folks, this phrase is a roundabout means of claiming, “Do not lose hope!”. “Each hoe have dem stik a bush” interprets to imply that there’s somebody on the market for everybody.
“De olda de moon, de brighter it shines”
You would possibly hear the phrase, ‘De olda de moon, de brighter it shines” which refers back to the knowledge that may include age. The phrase means, “the older the individual, the wiser she or he is.” The emotions of this Jamaican phrase can typically be seen in different cultures by means of numerous different sayings.
“Sake a mout fish get ketch”
There are some Jamaican phrases that may have you ever both scratching your head or doubling over in laughter. That is a kind of! The “sake a mout fish get ketch” phrase is a play on phrases that individuals who interact in fishing will perceive. It actually signifies that speaking an excessive amount of can get you into hassle.
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Knowledgeable tip: As enjoyable as it may be to study a little bit of Jamaican patois, it is reassuring to know you will not have to grasp the language in only one journey. Simply understanding a bit bit concerning the native language is often sufficient. In fact, if you wish to dive a bit deeper, you too can discover some Jamaican culture and traditions.
Join with the locals utilizing Jamaican sayings and phrases
Most Caribbean islands have their very own language that the locals use to speak with each other. Jamaica is not any exception. The good information is that you would be able to choose up among the native lingo of this vacation spot earlier than even touching down on the airport. With the widespread Jamaican sayings and phrases listed on this publish, you’ll be well-versed and greater than prepared in your subsequent trip there.
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Talking of holidays… when you’ve got but to determine the place to remain, there are some glorious all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica that vacationers love. Sandals resorts in Jamaica are on the prime of that checklist, particularly for folks planning Jamaica weddings or Jamaica honeymoons. You possibly can even take pleasure in some golfing in Jamaica throughout your trip on the island. You possibly can check out a few of these unimaginable Jamaica vacation packages to determine which one will probably be simply best for you!
Knowledgeable tip: Planning on touring to Jamaica? Use our useful guidelines of what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica so that you don’t depart any of your necessities behind!
