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When on the islands, you would possibly like to talk like an islander. It’s value a strive, not less than! You’ll be able to 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 individuals, 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 named 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 in regards to the native language.
Right here, we’ll be sharing among the most typical Jamaican phrases, sayings, and slang that islanders use of their every day conversations. We hope that it helps you really feel proper at house 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 once you go to the island:
‘Boonoonoonoos’
Do you wish to specific that you just love one thing or somebody to bits? Then you need to use the phrase “boonoonoonoos”, which could be translated as “particular particular person”. For instance, you possibly can say that somebody is your “boonoonoonoos good friend”.
Will you be touring to Jamaica along with your “boonoonoonoos”? In that case, you two are sure to have a tremendous time!
‘Wah gwaan’
This phrase is often mentioned with a lot enthusiasm and generally is a good dialog starter. It’s the Jamaican means of asking, “What’s up?” or “How are you?”. It’s possible you’ll recall when former U.S. President Barack Obama visited Jamaica and offered 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!
‘If a dust, a dust’
This phrase could be actually translated to, “If it’s filth, it’s filth”. It’s a means of claiming you need to settle for the state of affairs or circumstances you’re offered with for what they’re. This is likely 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 is able to be, “It’s what it’s”.
‘Zeen’
“Zeen” is an easy means 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 typical various for this sort of 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 primary 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 typically shortened to “Weh yaw seh”.
‘Small up yuhself’
You is perhaps left scratching your head in case 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 is useful in crowded areas amongst buddies or acquaintances. Relying on how it’s mentioned, although, strangers could discover the request to be impolite. So, in case you’re on a bus or a taxi or simply making your means by way of a crowded space, you would possibly wish to follow 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 individuals utilizing this Jamaican time period to convey, “All is nicely”. When requested “How are you?” or “How yuh keep?”, it could 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 a lot of different Jamaican phrases which can be 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 will additionally imply, “I’m doing nicely”. The phrase is usually utilized in response to “Wah gwaan”. Most individuals who say it will say it very quick, so that you’ll should pay attention carefully to catch on. Whenever you’re saying it, remember 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 good friend. Do you have to run into an area acquaintance whereas spending the day exploring your resort or round city, this is able to be a superbly welcome dialog starter. In the event you’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 well-liked Jamaican phrases. Although this is able to actually translate to “Yeah, man”, “Ya mon” could be mentioned to any particular person 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 could be in case you’re supplied 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 full of rest and laughter. If a selected particular person or circumstance makes you giggle to the purpose that you could barely comprise your self, you then would possibly wish to use a phrase like “Mi useless wid giggle”. This phrase means “Dying with laughter”. You’re positive to come back throughout many humorous and chill individuals on this island, so we’re positive that is a type 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 could 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 subsequent day.
‘Inside luv’
“Inside luv” is a type of Jamaican phrases that may enable 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 just respect one thing.
‘Mi quickly come’
“Mi quickly come” interprets to “I’ll be there quickly” or “I’ll be proper there”. This Jamaican phrase could be difficult as ‘quickly’ can imply many issues! Whenever you’re absorbing the solar on this sunny isle, you’ll have a higher appreciation of how and why issues appear to decelerate on ‘island time’. So if somebody tells you “mi quickly come”, it’s greatest 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 your entire 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”, but it surely’s usually used exterior of the context you’d anticipate. Folks usually imply “See you in a short while”, “Goodbye” or “Goodbye” after they use the time period. You’ll hear this usually when parting methods with individuals whereas on the island.
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Good to know: There’s loads to find about Jamaica, its people, and history. When you get the hold of the lingo, you possibly can bounce proper into our put up 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 slightly humourous phrases and sayings as nicely. Listed here are some which can 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 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, however, suggests you achieve this, although not within the literal sense. The “speak and style your tongue” saying communicates the significance of pondering earlier than you communicate.
“Each hoe have dem stik a bush”
Used as a reassuring phrase for single individuals, 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 particular person, the wiser she or he is.” The feelings of this Jamaican phrase can usually be seen in different cultures by way of varied 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 type 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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Professional tip: As enjoyable as it may be to study 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 just a little bit in regards to the native language is often sufficient. In fact, if you wish to dive just a little deeper, you can even 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 nice information is that you could 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 put up, you’ll be well-versed and greater than prepared to your subsequent trip there.
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Talking of holidays… you probably have but to resolve 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 record, particularly for individuals planning Jamaica weddings or Jamaica honeymoons. You’ll be able to even get pleasure from some golfing in Jamaica throughout your trip on the island. You’ll be able to check out a few of these unbelievable Jamaica vacation packages to resolve which one will probably be simply best for you!
Professional tip: Planning on touring to Jamaica? Use our helpful guidelines of what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica so that you don’t depart any of your necessities behind!
