Jamaican Patis phrase to know
Jamaican Papios, expressive, colorful, and often confusing to non-Jamaicans. The Jamaican language is largely a derivative of the influence that Spain, Britain, and Africa have had on the country through their colonial history. Although the official language of Jamaica is English, many Jamaicans speak Papios in everyday conversation. Here are 15 Jamaican Patis phrases you'll need to know and use on your next visit to Jamaica.
'Little yuhself'
Useful expressions when using crowded buses or taxis; The little yuhself literally means to make some space.
'Mi Soon Come'
The Jamaican expression literally means: I'll be there. But if you're being told about mi soon, don't be fooled. Island time is much slower than the rest of the world, and this expression should be interpreted as any meaning from a few hours to a few days.
'Weh yuh啊seh'
Literally translates to "what are you talking about", but actually means "how are you". For example: Weh yuh a seh? Mi deh tries yuh means 'How are you?' I've always wanted to call you.
'Inna di morrows'
Use when saying goodbye. The literal translation would be "in tomorrow", meaning "see you later".
'Duppy Conqueror'
Bob Marley sang them in Duppy Conqueror, while Ian Fleming mentioned them in Live and Let Die. In a land of daytime superstitions and idiocy (spirituality) haunting at night, religion is not just about saying your prayers before you go to bed in Jamaica. This expression means that a fearless person overcomes obstacles and difficulties. The literal translation is "Ghost Conqueror".
'Mash-up'
This phrase means destruction or destruction. For example, Mi mash up mi fone means 'I broke my phone'. It's a popular expression, and even road signs will suggest that drivers mash up on yuh brakes. Meaning slows down.
'Blessings'
Religion is good for every aspect of Jamaican life and wants people to have a good day, often by expressing blessings. Blessings can also be used.
'Wow Gwaan'
This is probably Jamaica's most famous greeting, and was even used during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Jamaica. Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting, asking who someone is or what it is.
'Mi deh yah，yuh know'
Impress the locals with this handy phrase, which is often used in response to Wah Gwaan. The secret lies in pronunciation, and the trick is to speak quickly – almost like a word. Although the literal translation is "I'm here", the implied meaning is "everything is fine", or "I'm doing a good job".
'Guzumba'
Guzumba, meaning Obeah, is similar to Voodoo in Haiti and is a practice of black magic. In Jamaica, Obeah-men can still be found practicing this illegal craft. An Obeah person can cast or break a spell, enter a shamanic trance, or supposedly, even raise someone from the dead.
'Lickkle More'
It means to look at 'you later' or 'goodbye'. For example, mi sees yuh likkle more study rooms – I'll see you later.
'John - crow, yuh waan flapped a wing'
The John-Crow is a Jamaican bird commonly known in North America as the Turkey Vulture. Yuh waan, which expresses a wing that is undoubtedly familiar to dance hall lovers, is a term used to make girls dance.
"Tea Card, Tea Card"
If anything is chaka-chaka, it means poor quality and disorganization.
'Raggamuffin'
It's a term used to describe street tough guys. It is also a type of music commonly abbreviated as ragga, a subcategory of ballroom music and reggae music.
'Kick up Rumpus'
Kicking up the hustle and bustle means having a good time. It was also the title of the hit 1985 song by Colorman and Jackie Knockshot.
