Understanding Jamaican Patois
Jamaican Patois is much more than just “broken English.” It’s a living, breathing language with its own distinct grammar, vocabulary, and deep cultural roots. Born from a blend of English and West African languages, Patois (also known as Patwah) reflects Jamaica’s vibrant history and the resilience of its people.
This Jamaican glossary aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to some of the most common Patois words and phrases you’ll encounter. We’ll delve into their meanings, explore their origins where possible, and offer insights into how they’re used in everyday Jamaican life.
Remember, understanding the context is key when interpreting Patois. Language is constantly changing, and Patois is no exception. New slang emerges all the time, and older terms can take on fresh meanings. So, while this glossary will give you a solid foundation, keep in mind that it’s a starting point for a deeper exploration of this dynamic and expressive language.
Nouns in Jamaican Patois
Jamaican Patois, or Jamaican Creole, is a vibrant language with its own unique vocabulary. Here are a few commonly used nouns:
Terms Related to People
- Pickney: Child. This is a common and affectionate term for a child.
- Gyalis: A man who is skilled at attracting women; a player. This term is often used with a mix of admiration and disapproval.
- Sketel/Mantel: A promiscuous woman. Be aware that this term is often considered derogatory.
- Maa-Ma Man: A derogatory term for a homosexual man. This term is highly offensive and should be avoided.
- Butu/Butucrat: A person of low social standing, often used disparagingly. This can refer to someone lacking class or refinement.
Everyday Objects and Concepts
- Batacrep: Worn-out sneakers. A descriptive term highlighting the state of the footwear.
- Broughtupsy: Proper etiquette or manners. Emphasizes the importance of respect and good behavior in Jamaican culture.
- Blue Movie: Pornographic film. A straightforward term for adult entertainment.
- Brawta: A free extra item given when purchasing something. Represents the generosity and bargaining culture in Jamaica. Think of it as a little lagniappe.
Rastafarian and Cultural Terms
- Earthstrong: Birthday, especially in Rastafarian culture. Reflects a spiritual connection to the earth and life.
- Bunununus (sometimes spelled boonoonoonoos): Beloved, sweet, or lovely. Often used as a term of endearment.
Adjectives in Jamaican Patois
Jamaican Patois, or Jamaican Creole, is a language rich with descriptive words that paint a vivid picture. Here’s a look at some common adjectives used to describe appearance, condition, emotions, and unique Jamaican concepts.
Describing Appearance and Condition
- Mawga: Thin or skinny. You might hear someone say, “She gettin’ too mawga,” meaning she’s losing weight. It can be neutral, like saying someone is slender, or critical, implying they’re too thin.
- Chakka-Chakka: Describes teeth that are messy or uneven. It’s a playful, descriptive term, like saying someone has a “crooked smile.”
- Plekeh-plekeh/Plakka-Plakka: Untidy or messy. This can apply to anything, not just teeth. “Look how you room plakka-plakka!” means your room is a mess. It’s similar to “Chakka-Chakka” but more versatile.
- Fenke-Fenke: Frail or weak. Used to describe someone in poor health or lacking strength. “Him look fenke-fenke since him sick,” means he looks weak since he’s been ill.
- Winjy: Thin or flimsy. Describes something lacking substance or durability. “Dis cloth too winjy fi mek dress,” means this cloth is too thin to make a dress.
Expressing Intensity and Emotion
- Hot Like Wig: Extremely hot or intense. A very colorful way to describe high temperatures or strong emotions. “Di sun hot like wig today!” means the sun is scorching hot.
- Tallawah: Strong, powerful, or impressive. Often used to describe someone unexpectedly capable. “She small, but she tallawah!” means she’s small, but surprisingly strong.
- Foo-Fool: Foolish or stupid. A common insult used to express disapproval. “Don’ be foo-fool, listen to me!” means don’t be stupid, listen to me!
Unique Jamaican Expressions
- From Mi Eye Deh a Mi Knee: Something is very obvious or clear. This is a wonderfully visual expression emphasizing the obviousness of a situation. If someone is clearly lying, you might say, “From mi eye deh a mi knee seh him a lie!” meaning it’s obvious he’s lying.
- Mi Mout Nuh License Wid Church: I am not afraid to speak my mind. This indicates a willingness to be honest, even if it’s controversial. If someone asks if you like their new outfit and you don’t, you might say, “Mi mout nuh license wid church, mi nuh like it!” meaning, I’m going to be honest, I don’t like it.
Jamaican Patois Verbs, Exclamations, and Hybrids
Jamaican Patois isn’t just about nouns. It’s full of verbs, exclamations, and hybrid words that give the language its unique flavor. Here are some common examples:
Verbs: Actions and States of Being
Patois verbs capture a range of actions and states, often with a distinctive twist.
- Pree: To look, observe, or check something out. This is a super versatile verb used in all sorts of situations.
- Dash Weh: To throw away or discard. It can also have a more serious meaning, like “dash we di belly,” which refers to abortion.
- Kin puppa lick: To kiss teeth, a gesture of annoyance or disrespect. You’ll hear this expression a lot when someone’s frustrated or doesn’t agree with something.
Exclamations: Expressing Emotion
Patois exclamations are perfect for adding emphasis and emotion to your speech.
- Raatid (or rhaatid): An exclamation of surprise, shock, or frustration. It’s kind of like saying “Oh my God!” or “Damn!”.
- Zeen: Understood, agreed. A common way to show you understand what someone’s saying.
- Zimmi: Really? Is that so? Use this to express surprise or disbelief.
Hybrid Terms: Blending English and Patois
These terms blend English words with Patois flair, creating unique expressions.
- Hurry-come-up (or horry cumup): A person who has recently become wealthy or gained status and is showing off. It’s often used negatively, implying that the person is arrogant or inexperienced.
- Genal (or ginnal): A trickster or con artist. This describes someone who’s cunning and deceitful.
- Risto: Restaurant. A shortened, slang version of the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “shut up” in Jamaican slang?
There are a few ways to say “shut up” in Jamaican slang, depending on the level of intensity you want to convey! “Mout’ massi!” is a pretty direct and forceful way to tell someone to be quiet. It translates roughly to “shut your mouth!” A milder version could be “Tek set,” which implies “be quiet” or “hold on a minute.” The best choice really depends on the context and your relationship with the person you’re talking to.
What does “Deh Pon” mean in Jamaican?
“Deh Pon” is a super versatile phrase in Jamaican Patois! It basically means “is on,” “is about,” or “is in the process of.” So, if someone says “Mi deh pon di road,” it means “I am on the road” or “I’m traveling.” Or, if they say “Wi deh pon a mission,” it means “We are on a mission.” It can also imply a state of being, like “Mi deh pon good vibes,” meaning “I’m feeling good vibes.” It’s all about context, but it’s a phrase you’ll hear everywhere in Jamaica!
In Summary
Jamaican Patois isn’t just a collection of slang words; it’s woven into the very fabric of Jamaican culture and identity. It carries within it the history, values, and lived experiences of the Jamaican people.
Like any living language, Patois is constantly evolving. New words and phrases bubble up, reflecting current trends and influences, while older expressions might fade or shift in meaning. This dynamic nature keeps the language vibrant and relevant.
Really understanding Patois goes beyond simply memorizing a list of words. You need to appreciate its subtle nuances and the rich cultural context in which it’s spoken. By making an effort to learn Patois, you’re not just learning a language; you’re gaining a deeper connection to Jamaica and its people, and a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human expression.