Chat ‘bout can mean more than one thing. It can be used to agree with someone or as a disclaimer of disbelief (I hear
you/What’re you talking about!?). SomeJamaican phrases or words in patois are used by many or only one generation in a location. Here are a few other useful phrases to try out or at least just help you to keep up with a lively conversation!
• Earth strong – Birthday
• Irie – Everything cool (can be asked as a question)
• Bless Up/Blessings – Sometimes used as a greeting
• Yuh si mi?/Zimmi – Do you understand?
• Zeen – I understand/agree
• Small up yuhself – Move over and make room
• Ovah deh so – Over there
• Soon come – I’ll be right back/I’m on my way
• Likkle More – In a while/See you later
• Pickney – Child/children (singular and plural)
• Broughtupsy – Proper Manners
• Brawta – a little extra/bonus
• Pree – to look at/watch closely
• Jim Screechy – a suspicious act/a con
• Ignorant – bad-tempered
• Hush – used to soothe - my condolences
• Yu too bright – being rude Hiss/Kiss Teeth – a noise made by sucking saliva through your teeth while pursing your lips used to display disgust, frustration, contempt or dismissal. (‘Kiss Mi Teet’ - KMT in messaging format)
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