20 Jamaican Patois Phrases You Should Be Using
Jamaican Patois or Jamaican Creole, more popularly called Patois (Patwah / Patwa) is spoken as a native language by the majority of Jamaicans. Influenced by other languages including English and the languages from West African, Patois has adapted over time. With generational changes come new phrases or slangs, making it a fun and interesting way […]
Jamaican Patois Words have now become Canadian and British Slang
Words, phrases and language have a way of finding new outlets around the world and Jamaican patois is no different. 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. The Greater Toronto Area has a large Jamaican contingent and […]
How to Say Goodbye in Jamaican Patois
Now that you have learned how to greet a Jamaican, you might be wondering what phrases are to be used to say goodbye. Some of these phrases might be one or two words that translate into their literal meanings and somewhat slightly different than the literal meaning “Lickkle more” – translates to “little more” but […]
Guide to Jamaican Patois on Making Friends
If you are looking to meet friends on the island, you may want to learn a few phrases or sentences to make this process a smooth and enjoyable one. “Nice fi meet yuh” – Pleased to meet you is uttered by locals after being introduced to someone. Though its an island-wide phrase, you will find […]
A Guide to Jamaican Patois Terms on Money
Informally, Jamaicans refer to money via many different terms, even giving different names to the different notes in the currency. In the corporate world however, notes and coins are referred to by their dollar values. Here are some terms Jamaicans use in reference to money and examples of how they are used. Coil / stash […]
Asking About Food in Jamaican Patois
Perhaps one of the most important conversations to be had with a Jamaican is about food; because if we are being honest – who doesn’t like eating Jamaican cuisine? There are a number of phrases or sentences associated with asking about food on the island, whether you are buying at a shop, making an order […]
Jamaican Patois Phrases for Going Out
Jamaicans have many different ways of expressing that they are “going out”. Some are pretty much understandable as uttered but some might have you wondering “exactly what are they trying to say?”. The patois phrases used when sharing this information varies depending on who they are talking to. Often times peers seem to have an […]
10 Jamaican Greetings That You Should Know Before You Go
If you are planning on visiting Jamaica soon, it might be interesting on your part to know how to interact with the locals. Just as it is with other countries, being able to greet locals in their dialect can be important. Jamaican greetings may vary based on social status or age difference for example, younger […]
The ‘Jamaican as Official Language Alongside English’ Petition: What Does that Mean to Me?
Introduction The petition on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister calling on the parliament and government to take all the necessary steps to grant official status to Jamaican, alongside English, was opened for public signature on Tuesday, 5th November, 2019. Why should Jamaicans bother to go on the website and sign? Because […]
8 Jamaican Patois Terms for Flirting
Jamaican men have some of the “sweetest mouth”! What do I mean by that? They know just the right words to sweet talk or “lyrics” a woman. Jamaican men are big-time flirters too so the phrases or sentences oftentimes roll of their lips with ease. All though most men flirt harmlessly, others will try to […]