36 Jamaican slangs you should know
You may feel slightly awkward standing among a group of Jamaicans, smiling politely, while everyone else bursts out laughing at something you didn’t quite catch.
You nod along, but deep down, you're thinking:
"Wait, what did that mean?"
It's not just the accent.
It’s the slang and the double meanings that make Jamaican Patois a language of its own.
But you don’t need to be fluent to join in the banter or understand the punchlines.
Learning a few key words and phrases can change how you connect with your Jamaican friends.
So here’s your starter pack of 36 Jamaican slangs that will help you blend in with your Jamaican friends, even just a likkle.
Greetings & everyday talk
Wah gwaan? - what's going on
Mi deh yah – I’m here/I’m good
Yow – A casual greeting like “Hey!”
Bless up – A positive way to say goodbye or wish someone well
Mi soon fahwud or Mi soon circle you – I’ll be back soon (but it might take a while!)
Playful sayings
Big up yuhself – Respect to you
Mi cyan badda – I can’t be bothered
Yute – Young person
Gweh or tek weh yuself – Leave me alone
Criss – Cool or stylish
Food & Lifestyle
Nyam – Eat
Belly full or cork – Satisfied
Likkle more or lata' or mi tun mi back – See you later –
Rahtid - Expression of surprise (not a curse word, but close!)
Pickney – Child
Flirting & joking
Gyal yuh hot – You look good
Boasy - Show-off
Chat too much – Talks too much
Gwaan bad or galang bad– Behaving boldly or provocatively
Nuff ratings or mi rate yuh – I respect or like you
Street talk
Nuh bodda or mek' dat stay – Don’t bother
Ah or zeen – Okay / I understand
Ya diss me? – Are you disrespecting me?
Mash up – Broken or very tired
Wicked or crawsis or ole house – Can mean either terrible, dangerous or violent
Are you ready to flex your Jamaican Patois skills?
Give them a try!
Share
Useful Information
Things To Do
Where To Stay
Food, Drink And Recipes
Jamaica Travel Stories
Events
Welcome Messages
Wedding And Romance
Best of Jamaica
Airport Services
Charity
Real Estate
Jamaica Diaspora
Lounge Experience
Cannabis Tourism
MOST READ
-
A warm Jamaican welcome awaits you at Club Mobay’s Xaymaca Lounge
-
5 incredible attractions found in St. Mary
-
Shaggy’s Jamaica
© 2019 Jamaica Experiences All Rights Reserved