Learn the Jamaican Patois Word – a-doors
a-doors (Noun) Meaning/Description: outside.
9 Phrases Only a Jamaican Would Understand
The moment you meet a Jamaican you will quickly discover that we are a passionate and expressive bunch, especially when we do so in the lovely Jamaican patois. The language is constantly attracting great interest from people craving a taste of our culture, but what is perhaps most intriguing about patois is the many sayings […]
A Case for Patois (patwah) – From a Jamaican living in Sweden
Mi luv mi patwah, mi madda tongue. The language of Jamaica. Therefore, it hurts to see such detest from so many of my Jamaican brothers and sisters for this language filled with so much rythm and expression. I grew up in a middle class family. I went to Immaculate Conception High School which I loved. […]
Five Jamaican Words You Should Know
As with every other aspect of Jamaican culture, the language is a source of fascination. Having been first colonized by the Tainos, ‘discovered’ by the Spanish in 1494, and then captured by the English in 1655, Jamaica is not only rich in history, but in terms of the language. Jamaican Patois is a hodge-podge of […]
10 Jamaican Patois Words That Originate From Africa
Jamaican Patois is a colourful mix of several languages passed down from both our ancestors and remnants of our colonial past. But what you may not know is that many words commonly used today derive directly from African languages. Here are 10 popular Patois words that have their roots in Africa. 1. Bafan The word […]
9 Things You Never Want To Hear A Jamaican Say About You
Jamaicans can be some of the nicest people you’ll meet but get on their wrong side and their insults will most certainly be stinging and blunt. They’ll use the colorful Jamaican language to tell you off in a heartbeat describing both you and their feelings towards you in equally measure. Here are some of the […]
Fader Magazine Explains How Jamaican Patois Went Mainstream in Music
The United States magazine Fader has provided an extensive review of how reggae and dancehall music have brought Jamaica’s patois language into the mainstream. In the article, author Eternity Martis, who lives in Toronto, Canada, notes how many people other than Jamaicans are using phrases like “Gaza mi seh!” and wonders if they actually know […]
VIDEO: Harvard University Offers Class in Jamaican Patois
Harvard University is offering a class in Jamaican Patois this fall. The class is offered through the university’s African and African-American Studies Department. It is taught by Genesee Johnson and is an individualized study of the language at the elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. The emphasis of the class is on literacy. It is offered […]
8 of the Funniest Jamaican Proverbs (and how to use them)
Jamaicans like every culture in the world have a collection of proverbs about how to live your life. Some of these proverbs are extremely funny, but effective. Here are 8 of the funniest Jamaican proverbs and how to use them. 1. “Play wid puppy dawg, puppy dawg lick yuh face. Play wid big dawg, big […]
Talk Like A Local Jamaican When You Visit The Island – Jamaican Slang
Using our simple Jamaican Slang glossary, you can talk like a local and not sound like a tourist fresh off the tour bus or cruise ship. Here are 7 Jamaican slang words to use on your visit to Jamaica. Brawta n. (braw-tah) – A little extra with a purchase; getting something extra for free. After […]