Many of the common words and expressions used in Jamaica are routinely being used as slang expressions in Canada and Britain, particularly among second-generation immigrants.Jamaican patois, also known as Jamaican Creole or Jamaican by linguists, is derived from English with West African and Spanish influences.
Contents
Does Jamaica use British English?
Jamaican English is the official language of Jamaica, and it’s used in government, media, education and business. As a holdover from its colonial history, the English used in Jamaica has a largely British grammar and spelling, but it’s also been molded by American English over the years.
Is Jamaican broken English?
This dialect of Jamaica is known as patois (Pah-Twa)[2], or patwa. It is important to note that patois can be called any number of other names such as Jamaican Patwa, Jamaican Creole, black English, broken English, and has even been known to be referred to as baby talk on occasion[3].
What do Jamaica mean in English?
meaning the “Land of Wood and Water” or the “Land of Springs”. Once a Spanish possession known as Santiago, in 1655 it came under the rule of England, and was called Jamaica.Jamaica has a large diaspora around the world, due to emigration from the country.
How do you say friend in Jamaican?
Below is a list of 18 Jamaican Patois phrases translated to English.
- I Will Be Right Back – Mi Soon Come.
- To Eat – Nyam.
- Jamaica – Jamrock, Jamdown, Yard.
- Jamaican – Yardie, Yard man.
- Friend – Bredren (male), Sistren (female)
- Well Done – Big up, Respect.
- Excellent – Sell off, Tun up, Wicked.
- What’s up?
How do Jamaicans say hello?
Hail up – Hi or Hello
Mostly used by Jamaican men especially those practicing the Rastafarian faith.
How do you say love you in Jamaican?
Note: there is no standard way of spelling Jamaican, and there are different ways of writing many words.
Useful phrases in Jamaican.
| Phrase | Jimiekn / Patwah (Jamaican) |
|---|---|
| I miss you | Mi miss yuh |
| I love you | Mi luv yuh |
| Get well soon | |
| Go away! | Gweh! |
What do Jamaicans say a lot?
These are the top Jamaican sayings and phrases to use when you visit Jamaica:
- ‘Weh Yuh Ah Seh’ The literal translation of this Jamaican saying is, “What are you saying?”.
- ‘Boonoonoonoos’
- ‘Small Up Yuhself’
- ‘Wah Gwaan’
- ‘Irie’
- ‘Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know’
- ‘Weh Yuh Deh Pon’
- ‘Ya Mon’
What does SML mean in Jamaican texting?
SML is an online and texting acronym that means various things. It can mean screw my life, so much love, or sometimes so much laughter. Related words: SOML.
What does Jamaica taste like?
What does Jamaica taste like? The best way to describe the flavor of Jamaica is to say it tastes like a floral cranberry juice. Depending on how much, or how little, sugar you add to yours, it can be super sweet or light and refreshing.
What do they call Jamaica?
Jamaica
| Jamaica Jumieka (Jamaican Patois) | |
|---|---|
| Demonym(s) | Jamaican |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| • Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| • Governor-General | Patrick Allen |
What does Yardie mean?
Yardie (or Yaadi) is a term often used, particularly within the Caribbean expatriate and Jamaican diaspora community, to refer to people of Jamaican origin, though its exact meaning changes depending on context. The term is derived from the Jamaican patois for home or “yard”.
Why do Jamaicans say respect?
Jamaicans use respect often among their selves which tells you how important it is. In some ways it’s a bit like namaste which means “I honor the soul within you.” I say Respect when I’m in Jamaica because I appreciate all they do for my clients to make sure they have a wonderful experience.
What is big up in Jamaica?
big up (Interjection)
Meaning/Description: a phrase which is used as accomplishment or praise to someone, hello or my regards.
How do you say pretty in Jamaican?
Criss: Jamaican expression meaning “Pretty;” “fine;” or “okay.”
How do you say baby in Jamaican?
Bae – this is the modern version of Baby or babes that has been going the rounds lately. 12.
How do you say bye in Jamaican?
How to Say Goodbye in Jamaican Patois
- “Lickkle more” – translates to “little more” but means see you later.
- “Mi Gaan” – I’m gone, Goodbye.
- “Lata” – Later ; See you later.
- “Inna Di Morrows” – See you tomorrow.
- “Walk gud / tek care” – Stay Safe / Take Care.
What is goodbye in Jamaican?
‘Lickkle more‘ Meaning see ‘you later’ or ‘goodbye’.
How much is a Coke in Jamaica?
Prices in restaurants in Jamaica.
| Meal in a cheap restaurant | 650 JMD (450-1,000) |
|---|---|
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 132 JMD (100-250) |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 103 JMD (75-200) |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 361 JMD (120-751) |
| Espresso Coffee | 252 JMD (84-525) |
What does deh yah mean?
“Mi deh yah „ English Translation: I am here. Definition Slang expression usually used in response to a greeting expression like “How are you doing” or “What’s going on”.
Does Jamaica have 2 flags?
The flag consists of a gold saltire, which divides the flag into four sections: two of them green (top and bottom) and two black (hoist and fly).
Flag of Jamaica.
| Names | The Cross, Black, green and gold |
| Use | National flag and civil ensign |
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 6 August 1962 |
