Jamaican Slang: 31 Sayings, Words & Phrases

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Jamaica has gifted the world greater than reggae beats and spicy jerk flavors. The colourful rhythm of the island lives in the best way Jamaicans communicate—stuffed with attraction, colour, and character. Whether or not in music, playful banter, or intelligent sayings, their phrases circulate with good vibes and countless smiles.

Image: There is no higher place to take pleasure in all that’s Jamaica than at Sandals Dunn’s River. The very best half? All drinks are on us!

Jamaicans have a language all their very own that brings the island’s power to life. Referred to as Jamaican patois, this full of life dialect is spoken alongside customary English throughout the island. Whereas English audio system will discover it straightforward to speak right here, studying a little bit of patois is a enjoyable approach to dive deeper into the native tradition.

We’ve rounded up a few of the most typical Jamaican phrases, sayings, and slang that islanders use on daily basis.

The most well-liked Jamaican slang

With out additional ado, these are the highest Jamaican slang, sayings, and phrases to make use of whenever you go to the island:

‘Irie’

“Irie” is without doubt one of the most recognizable Jamaican phrases, capturing the relaxed vibe of the islands. It is generally utilized by Jamaicans and different Caribbean individuals to convey a way of “All is properly.” When requested “How are you?” or “How yuh keep?”, responding with “Mi irie” is completely acceptable, because it means “I am okay” or “I am cool.” After all, there are numerous different phrases used for greetings throughout the island.

‘Wah gwaan’

This phrase is normally mentioned with a lot enthusiasm and could be a good dialog starter. It’s the Jamaican approach 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 top of his second time period. He greeted his viewers utilizing this catchy phrase, leading to roaring applause!

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‘Nuff respect’

For those who hear this phrase whereas in Jamaica, it most frequently will relate to gratitude. Nuff respect interprets to “Thanks” or “I admire it”. It is used to point out gratitude and admiration for somebody’s actions, phrases, or presence.

‘Yuh dun know’

This phrase transaltes to “You already know” or “You perceive”. It’s typically used to acknowledge settlement or shared information between the speaker and listener. You would possibly hear this time period used on the finish of a dialog, as a response to somebody saying one thing like, “Mi quickly come” or “Inna di morrows”.

‘Yu giant’

This phrase can be utilized as a type of affirmation or to provide somebody credit score for one thing they’ve executed. It may also be used merely to convey respect or admiration inside Jamaican social dynamics. Massive on this context means vital or essential. It could relate to somebody’s stature, affect, or optimistic qualities.

‘If a dust, a dust’

This phrase could be actually translated to, “If it’s grime, it’s grime”. It’s a approach of claiming it’s a must to 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 different for this might be, “It’s what it’s”.

‘Zeen’

“Zeen” is an easy approach of responding and agreeing to one thing that has been mentioned. The English translation for that is “Seen”, however, in apply, it means “Obtained it”, “Okay”, or “Sure”. “Irie” is a standard different for one of these response, which we’ll clarify extra about beneath.

Good to know: As one of many largest islands of the Caribbean, there are a couple of airports in Jamaica. Listed below are the principle Jamaica international airports.

Frequent 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 usually shortened to “Weh yaw seh”.

‘Small up yuhself’

You is perhaps left scratching your head in the event you hear this phrase whereas on a public bus or making your approach round Jamaica. “Small up your self” is the native approach of claiming, “Make room”. This phrase is useful in crowded areas amongst buddies or acquaintances. Relying on how it’s mentioned, 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 approach by way of a crowded space, you would possibly need to keep on with a well mannered “Excuse me”.

‘One Love’

You may need heard this phrase in Bob Marley’s well-known reggae monitor “One Love/Folks Get Prepared. The phrase ‘One Love’ is a greeting or farewell and encapsulates unity, respect, and common love. It is typically used inside reggae tradition to convey solidarity and goodwill.

‘Mi deh yah, yuh know’

“Mi deh yah, yuh know” actually interprets to “All the pieces is okay, you already know.” This could additionally imply, “I’m doing properly”. The phrase is usually utilized in response to “Wah gwaan”. Most individuals who say this can say it very quick, so that you’ll need to hear intently to catch on. While you’re saying it, remember to pronounce it correctly and say it rapidly, 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 an area 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 may reply by saying one thing like “Mi deh yah”.

‘Ya mon’

“Ya mon” is true up there with “irie” when it comes to widespread Jamaican phrases. Although this might actually translate to “Yeah, man”, “Ya mon” could be mentioned to any individual no matter gender or age. Within the literal sense, this phrase interprets to “No drawback” or “Okay.” A superb time to make use of this phrase can be in the event you’re provided an ice-cold island-inspired cocktail or beer. Then you may reply with an enthusiastic, “Ya mon!”

‘Useless wid snicker’

Holidays are all about having unforgettable moments crammed with rest and laughter. If a selected individual or circumstance makes you snicker to the purpose which you could barely comprise your self, then you definitely would possibly need to use a phrase like “Mi useless wid snicker”. This phrase means “Dying with laughter”. You’re positive to return throughout many humorous and chill individuals on this island, so we’re positive that is a kind of phrases you’ll find yourself utilizing greater than as soon as.

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‘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 may check it out your self to let somebody know you’ll see them once more the subsequent day.

‘Inside luv’

“Inside luv” is a kind of Jamaican phrases that may assist you join with the locals when used proper. This phrase signifies that one has a deeper love and appreciation for a selected factor or second. For instance, you would possibly say, “Mi have inside luv fi your time”, to go with the restaurant workers for his or her service. Utilizing this time period conveys that you simply admire one thing.

‘Mi quickly come’

“Mi quickly come” interprets to “I’ll be there quickly” or “I’ll be proper there”. “Mi quickly ahead” may also be used on this context. These Jamaican phrases could be difficult as ‘quickly’ can imply many issues! While 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 might arrive in a couple of minutes, hours, or perhaps a few days!

‘Bun dangerous thoughts’

This can be a generally used Jamaican time period that’s meant to convey a distate for dangerous intentions. “Bun” means to burn, and “dangerous thoughts” refers to jealousy or ailing intentions. This phrase rejects dangerous vibes. When Jamaicans say ‘bun dangerous thoughts,’ they’re saying no to dangerous intentions and sure to positivity and goodwill.

‘Mash up’

“Mash up” is frequent in Jamaica and throughout your entire Caribbean. It may be used as a verb or adjective to imply “Demolish/demolished” or “Destroy/destroyed”. You’ll probably hear this utilized in reference to one thing that’s in disarray, and the time period additionally carries some degree of disbelief or shock.

‘Bless up’

“Bless up” is the Jamaican approach of claiming “Have a pleasant day”, and the phrase is usually 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 properly.

‘Bredda’

Many individuals ask, “What’s the Jamaican slang for buddy or bro?” One widespread phrase is “bredda”, which refers to a detailed male buddy. It’s an informal and affectionate approach of claiming “brother” in Jamaican Patois. As an example, you would possibly hear somebody greet you in Jamaica saying, ‘wah gwan, bredda?’ This interprets to, ‘what’s up brother?’ This time period is not restricted to an individual who’s a organic brother.

‘Brethren’

Much like the Jamaican slang ‘Bredda’, ‘Brethren’ additionally refers to a buddy. In a approach, this may be seen because the plural type of ‘Bredda’ because it refers to a gaggle of shut male buddies or associates. This time period is usually utilized in a neighborhood or non secular context, generally which means fellow Rastafarians or trusted companions.

‘Lickkle extra’

The English translation for “Lickkle extra” is definitely “Little extra”, but it surely’s typically used outdoors of the context you’d count on. Folks usually imply “See you in a short while”, “Goodbye” or “Goodbye” after they use the time period. You’ll hear this typically when parting methods with individuals whereas on the island.

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Good to know: There’s lots to find about Jamaica, its people, and history. When you get the dangle of the lingo, you may leap proper into our publish detailing the origins of the flag of Jamaica.

Humorous Jamaican sayings

Along with the frequent sayings you would possibly choose up whereas attending to know Jamaica, you would possibly hear some reasonably humourous phrases and sayings as properly. Listed below are some which might be 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 usually used to explain somebody who talks an excessive amount of. Chatterbox is a well-liked different.

“Discuss and style your tongue”

Really, nobody ever actually thinks about tasting their tongue whereas they discuss. This Jamaican phrase, however, suggests you achieve this, although not within the literal sense. The “discuss 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 individuals, this phrase is a roundabout approach 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 feelings of this Jamaican phrase can typically be seen in different cultures by way of varied different sayings.

“Sake a mout fish get ketch”

There are some Jamaican phrases that can 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 have interaction in fishing will perceive. It actually signifies that speaking an excessive amount of can get you into bother.

Knowledgeable tip: As enjoyable as it may be to be taught a little bit of Jamaican patois, it is reassuring to know you will not must grasp the language in only one journey. Simply figuring out a bit bit concerning the native language is normally sufficient. After all, if you wish to dive a bit deeper, you can even discover some Jamaican culture and traditions.

Sayings, Slang, and Straight Discuss: The Language of Jamaica

In Jamaica, language is extra than simply communication—it’s tradition, rhythm, and angle wrapped into one. A standard Jamaican saying like “Each mikkle mek a mukkle” (each little bit counts) speaks to the resilience and resourcefulness of the individuals. However the island’s colourful expressions transcend proverbs. Take “pum pum,” as an example—a cheeky time period typically referring to the feminine anatomy, utilized in all the pieces from dancehall lyrics to playful banter. Then there’s “KMT,” shorthand for “kiss mi enamel,” a gesture of annoyance or disapproval that wants no translation when you hear it. And if somebody’s “pon di ting,” they’re proper within the combine—on prime of their sport or absolutely concerned. Whether or not you are catching vibes at a avenue dance or simply reasoning with locals, the language hits completely different—daring, unapologetic, and stuffed with taste.

Join With the Locals Utilizing Jamaican Sayings and Phrases

Throughout the Caribbean, each island has its personal distinctive approach of talking, and Jamaica isn’t any completely different. Begin selecting up the native lingo even earlier than you land. With the Jamaican sayings and phrases on this publish at hand, you’ll be prepared to speak like an area and absolutely embrace the vibes of your subsequent Jamaican getaway.

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