50 Jamaican Patois Phrases & How to Use Them Like a Native

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Plus, learn to pronounce everyday Jamaican slang phrases
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Jamaicans often use words and phrases based on patois, a creole dialect that combines both English and African influences. Patois has a huge part in Jamaican culture and identity, and has helped shape many common Jamaican phrases and slang words. Whether you’re planning a trip to Jamaica or just love Jamaican culture, keep reading for a list of 50 Jamaican phrases, including their meanings, pronunciations, and examples on how to use them.

Common Jamaican Slang Phrases

  • Small up yuhself means to “make room” or “move over.”
  • Irie means “nice,” “good looking,” or “pleasing.”
  • Bless up is a way to say “have a good day” or “farewell.”
  • One love is a universal term expressing love and peace for all.
1

“Small up yuhself”

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  1. “Small up yuhself” means “make room” or “move over.”
    Use this phrase (pronounced “SMUL up Yuh-self”) whenever you’re stuck in a crowd and need to get through or pass by. For instance, if you’re on a bench, a bus, or at a crowded concert, you might say “small up yuhself” to make your way past the crowd.[1]
    • Small up yuhself so I can get to the front row quickly!
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2

“Wah gwaan”

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  1. Use “wah gwaan” as a casual greeting to say “what’s up?” It’s pronounced “WAAH gwaan,” and also means “what’s going on?” It’s the Jamaican equivalent of “How are you?” and is used as a conversation starter or a greeting when you meet someone.[2]
    • Hi! Wah gwaan? I haven’t seen you in so long.
3

“Weh yuh ah seh”

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  1. Use it to ask, “What are you saying?” Pronounced "WAY-yuh-Ah-say,” you can also use the phrase as a greeting that means “how are you doing?” If you want someone to clarify something they said, it can also be used to say, “What do you mean?”[3]
    • Weh yuh ah seh? I didn’t understand what you meant.
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4

“Me deh yah, yuh know”

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  1. “Mee deh yah, yuh know” means “I’m here, you know.” You’d pronounce it exactly as it’s written, and use it in response to the greeting, “Wah gwaan?” (“What’s going on?”). It’s similar to saying “I’m okay” or “everything is good.”[4]
    • Mee deh yah, yuh know. I started a new job last month, and it’s going great.
5

“Irie”

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  1. “Irie” means “nice,” “good, or “pleasing.”
    “Irie” is pronounced “EYE-ree." It’s used generally as a term of approval, and can mean “all right.” “Irie” is sometimes used in Rastafarian English as a friendly greeting.
    • Mi feel irie.
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6

“Bomboclat”

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  1. “Bomboclat” is the Jamaican equivalent of the f-word. It is pronounced “BUM-bo-klaht.” It literally means “blood cloth” or “cloth for blood.” “Bomboclot” is used as an expletive to express shock or disbelief at something.
    • Bomboclot, I can't believe he said that!
7

“Gweh”

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  1. “Gweh” means “go away.” You’d pronounce “gweh” as "guh-wee” when telling someone to exit or leave a place. It’s similar to the English slang phrase, “get lost.” “Gweh” can be combined with other phrases meaning “from here” or “with that.”
    • Gweh fram yah suh (“Go away from here”).
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8

“Mi soon come”

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  1. Say “mi soon come” to indicate you’ll be “right there.” The emphasis in “Mee SOON come” is on the “soon.” It also means “I’ll be right back” or “I’ll return soon.” “Mi soon reach” is another way to say “I’ll be there soon.”
    • Mi soon come… I’m stuck on the bus.
9

“Bless up”

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  1. “Bless up” means “have a good day” or “farewell.” Pronounce it as it’s written, and use “bless up” as a greeting or farewell. It’s a casual way to say everything from “how are you?” and “have a nice day” to “you’ve got this!”[5]
    • Bless up! I’ll see you very soon.
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10

“Inna di morrows”

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  1. It’s a way to say “goodbye” in Jamaica.
    “Inna di morrows” is pronounced “in-nuh dee mor-ohz.” You’d use it to say “goodbye” to someone—it literally means “in the tomorrows.” “Inna di morrows” can also mean ‘see you later.”[6]
    • I have to go. Inna di morrows!
11

“Ya mon”

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  1. “Ya mon” means “yes, man” or “alright.” Some Jamaicans pronounce “ya mon” as "yah mon,” while others say, "yamahn.” It expresses agreement and affirmation, and is a way to say, "no problem.” “Ya mon” is one of the most recognized Jamaican phrases worldwide.[7]
    • Ya mon. I get what you’re saying.
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12

“Yuh dun know”

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  1. It means “you already know” or “of course.” Pronounce this phrase as “You done know.” You’d use “yuh dun know” to say that you agree or understand what someone else is saying.
    • Am I coming soon? Yuh dun know I am.
13

“Yu large”

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  1. “Yu large” is similar to saying “you’re awesome.” Say it like you’re saying, “you large.” It can also mean “you’ve done something big” or “you’re important.” Use it to show respect and appreciation for a person’s status or what they've accomplished.[8]
    • I saw your article in the magazine. Yu large!
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14

“One love”

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  1. “One love” is a universal term of respect and unity. It is pronounced just as it’s written. “One love” communicates a message of love for all people. You might use it when saying goodbye as a farewell or a wish of goodwill. You might respond to “one love” by saying “take care” or “take it easy.”
    • Take care, man. One love.
15

“Dead wid laugh”

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  1. Use “Dead wid laugh” when you’re “dying with laughter.”
    Pronounced “dehd WID laph,” it’s the Jamaican equivalent of saying “laughing my a** off (LMAO)” in internet slang. In fact, you can abbreviate “dead wid laugh” as DWL.
    • Great meme! I was dead wid laugh.
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16

“Tenk yuh”

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  1. “Tenk yah” means “thank you.” It’s the most direct way you can show gratitude and is pronounced as it’s spelled. Use it with other phrases that explain what you’re thankful for, like “your help” or “everything.”
    • Tenk yuh for dinner last night.
17

“Weh yuh deh pon”

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  1. Use “weh yuh deh pon” to ask “what are you doing?” It is pronounced “Waay yuh DAY pon.” “Weh yuh deh pon” also means “what are you up to,” and is used as a greeting or to ask someone what they’re doing that day.[9]
    • Hey! Weh yuh deh pon?
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18

“Inner luv”

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  1. “Inner luv” conveys affection and love. You pronounce it as it is written, and it shows deep appreciation for a person or a thing. You might even say “inner luv” instead of “thank you” when you’re genuinely touched.[10]
    • You paid for our meal? Inner luv to you.
19

“Bun bad mind”

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  1. Reject bad vibes by saying “bun bad mind.” “Bun bad mind” is pronounced "Buhng bad-mahnd.” You can say it to communicate the idea of “no bad energy.” It’s a way to stay positive and toss away any possible bad intentions!
    • Don’t worry about it. Bun bad mind.
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20

“Bredda”

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  1. Call someone “bredda” who is like a brother.
    Say it like this: “BREH-duh.” It might literally mean “brother,” but it can be used for any fellow male comrade or man. As a slang term for friend, its English equivalent might be “bro” or “buddy.” “Brethren” is another word that means “brothers” or “friends.”
    • Come on, man, you know you’re my bredda.
21

“Broughtupsy”

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  1. “Broughtupsy” refers to “good manners.” It is pronounced “BRAW-tup-si.” It means that whoever has “broughtupsy” was raised with decency and good manners. Those with no “broughtupsy” might be considered rude or without manners; they are called a “butu.”
    • Did you see how kind she was? She was raised with lots of broughtupsy.
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22

“Stush”

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  1. “Stush” means “snobbish” or “stuck up.” “Stush” is pronounced as it is written. In addition to the negative connotation of being “aloof,” “stush” also refers to a “classy” or “stylish” person. Where food is concerned, it can refer to a dish with delicious ingredients.[11]
    • Did you see her outfit? She’s so stush.
23

“Bangarang”

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  1. “Bangarang” describes “chaos” or “commotion.” You pronounce “bangarang” as “BAHNG-gah-rang.” It’s used for a scene or situation where a chaotic “disturbance” takes place. “Bangarang” also describes a “state of confusion.”
    • The airport was totally bangarang.
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24

“Zimmi”

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  1. It means “do you see me?” Though it looks like “zee-mee,” “zimmi” is typically pronounced “ZIH-mee.” It’s a shorter slang term taken from the phrase, "yuh si mi," which means "do you see me?" It’s used to ask, “Do you understand me?” or “Do you follow me?”
    • Turn right at the grocery store and keep on the street until you see the pink house. Zimmi?
25

“Jamrock/Jamdown/Yard”

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  1. All 3 terms refer to Jamaica itself.
    They’re simple to pronounce, and “jamrock,” “jamdown,” and “yard” describe Jamaica and are used to identify anything relating to Jamaican identity. “Jamrock” is a term of pride, while “jamdown” refers to the Jamaican nation, especially when its people are oppressed. “Yard” is synonymous with “home” and your “Jamaican roots.”[12]
    • I’m here today to represent Jamrock and everything that makes it special.
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26

“Yardie”

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  1. “Yardie” is a term for a Jamaican. Pronounce “yardie” as “YAR-dee,” and use it, along with “yard man,” to describe a Jamaican national. Many Jamaicans who moved to the U.S. or the UK also refer to themselves as “yardies.”[13]
    • We yardies are going to get together and talk about home, Jamaican food, and rasta culture.
27

“Pickney”

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  1. It means “child.” “Pickney” is pronounced “PIK-nee” and describes a child. The race, gender, class, or religion of the child doesn’t factor into using “pickney” in Jamaica.[14]
    • The sweet little pickney did the dishes last night!
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28

“Suss”

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  1. “Suss” means “rumor,” “scandal,” or “gossip.” Like the American slang term “suss,” it refers to anything “suspect.” It often appears as “susu,” which is pronounced “soo-soo.” “Suss” may describe a secret that someone is keeping.
    • The suss is that she divorced her husband without telling anyone else.
29

“Foo-fool”

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  1. A “foo-fool” emphasizes how foolish someone is. Easily meaning “stupid” or “foolish,” saying “foo-fool” simply emphasizes just how ridiculous a person can be when they act or behave foolishly.
    • Did you see that “foo-fool” that ran into the busy street?
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30

“Sistren”

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  1. “Sistren” means “sisters.”
    It is pronounced “SISS-trin.” It refers to a close-knit group of women or female friends. “Sistren” is a positive term that is the female equivalent of “brethren,” meaning “brothers.”[15]
    • You’re all my sistren, and I’ll love and cherish you forever.
31

“Gyalis”

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  1. Someone who is a “gyalis” is a “lady’s man.” You would say “gyalis” as "GAAL-iss.” It can be a positive or negative term for a “playboy,” “womanizer,” or “player.” “Gyalis” simply means someone is good at charming and/or seducing women.[16]
    • He’s such a gyalis… out every night with a different girl.
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32

“Lickkle more”

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  1. It means “see you later” or “goodbye.” “Lickkle more” is pronounced exactly as it’s spelled. It translates to “little more” and is a way of saying farewell to a friend. You might use “lickkle more” to say, “leaving now, see you later.”[17]
    • Likkle more, I have to go.
33

“Mash up”

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  1. “Mash up” means “demolished” or “destroyed.” “Mash up” is pronounced “MAHSH-op.” When you refer to something “destroyed,” it more figuratively means you’re in shock or disbelief about how disorganized something is.[18]
    • The place was a complete mash-up—clothes, toys, and junk everywhere.
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34

“Chaka-Chaka”

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  1. “Chaka-chaka” means “messy” or “untidy.” It’s pronounced “CHAH-kah-CHAH-kah,” and also describes a person or thing that is “disorganized” or “of poor quality.” You can also use “chaka-chaka” as a verb that means “to mess up.”[19]
    • Your room looks so chaka-chaka. Clean it before you go out!
35

“Boonoonoonoos”

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  1. A “boonoonoonoos” is a very special person.
    It’s pronounced “BOO-noo-noo-noo-s,” and is considered a term of endearment for someone you care about. “Boonoonoonoos” describes someone or something that is both “lovely and cherished.”[20]
    • My boonoonoonoos and I are getting married next month.
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36

“If a dirt, a dirt”

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  1. “If a dirt, a dirt” means “it is what it is.” You would pronounce this phrase, “if a dut, a dut.” “If a dirt, a dirt” literally means, “if it is dirt, it is dirt, but is a figurative phrase used when a situation cannot be changed.
    • If a dirt, a dirt. We’ll find a new day that works for both of us.
37

“Mi Love Yuh”

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  1. “Mi love yuh” means “I love you.” It is pronounced as it is written. In Jamaican Patois, "mi" is the pronoun for "I" or "my,” while “yuh” means “you.” It is the top affectionate phrase you can use toward a Jamaican to say how much you adore them.
    • Mi love yah for everything you’ve done for me.
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38

“Mi gaan”

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  1. Use “mi gaan” to say “goodbye.” Pronounce “mi gaan” as “mih-GAHN.” It’s used as a farewell, and means “I’m gone” or “I’m leaving.” “Mi gaan” is a casual way to say goodbye to a friend or loved one.
    • Have a great night. Mi gaan.
39

“Nuff respect”

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  1. “Nuff respect” offers respect to others. Pronounce it “Nuhf respeck.” Using it means you have the “utmost respect” for someone else. It’s a sign of appreciation, honor, and goodwill towards another person, either someone you know or someone you admire.[21]
    • What a terrific show. Nuff respect!
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40

“Earthstrong”

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  1. “Earthstrong” refers to a “birthday.”
    It’s pronounced as it’s spelled, and is used to describe the day of birth. Rastafarians particularly connect one’s birthday with nature and the earth itself. To wish someone a happy “earthstrong” means you hope they continue to grow spiritually with each passing year.[22]
    • Celebrations and blessings for your earthstrong, my friend!
41

“Nuh Badda Mi”

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  1. It means “don’t bother me.” You would say it like this: “Nuh BAD-dah mee.” “Nuh badda mi” is a way to tell someone to stop annoying you or to leave you alone. Even if you’re just being sarcastic, “nuh badda me” is still a way to tell a friend you need some peace and quiet.
    • Nuh badda mi. Can’t you see I’m busy?
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42

“Blabba mout”

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  1. A “blabba mout” is someone who talks too much. It is pronounced “BLAH-baa-Maut.” It’s used to describe a person who talks incessantly or can’t keep a secret. A similar phrase in English might be to call someone a “chatterbox.”
    • She’s such a blabba mout… can’t stop talking for a minute.
43

“How yuh fi do”

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  1. This phrase means “how do you do?” To say it, pronounce it like “How yuh fee doo,” and use it as a greeting. “How yuh fi do” translates to “how you are to do” or “how are you supposed to do,” but more commonly means “how are you doing?”
    • How yuh fi do? I was thinking about you the other day.
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44

“Nyam”

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  1. “Nyam” means “to eat.”It’s pronounced in one syllable like “NYAAM.” It comes from the Wolof "nyaam," meaning "to taste," and is linked to more than one West African language. It also means to “exploit or consume resources” in a greedy way.[23]
    • Are you ready to nyamm? Dinner’s almost done.
45

“Tek it easy”

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  1. “Tek it easy” means “relax.”
    To say “tek it easy,” say "TEHCK ih eazy.” The phrase translates to “take it easy,” but more directly means “relax.” “Tek it easy” is a way to tell someone to calm down.
    • Tek it easy… I’m on my way!
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46

“Everyting criss”

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  1. “Everyting criss” means “everything is good.” You say it by pronouncing the words “EHV-ree-ting crisp.” It also means “everything is all right” or “everything is cool.” “Everyting criss” is a way to say that things are going according to plan.[24]
    • No, don’t worry about me getting a ride. Everyting criss.
47

“Walk good”

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  1. “Walk good” is a way to say “take care.” You’d say it just as it appears. “Walk good” is a heartfelt phrase you can use to wish someone well whom you care about. Other similar phrases you might compare it to include “safe travels” or “stay safe.”
    • Have a great flight. Walk good!
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48

“Pyaaw-Pyaaw”

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  1. “Pyaaw-pyaaw” describes someone or something “weak” or “feeble.” “You would pronounce “pyaaw-pyaaw” as “pie-aw pie-aw.” “Fenke-fenke” is a similar phrase that means “weak” or “insignificant.”
    • The stray kitten is so pyaaw-pyaaw. He can’t fend for himself.
49

“Tallawah”

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  1. “Tallawah” refers to something that is “strong” or “tough.” Say it by pronouncing the word “TAAL-ah-Waa.” As the opposite of “pyaaw pyaaw,” “tallawah” is used to describe a person or thing that is either "resilient" or “fearless,” or someone who should not be underestimated.
    • Wi likkle but wi tallawah (“we are little but we are strong”).
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50

“Brawta”

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  1. “Brawta” refers to something “extra.”
    Pronounce “brawta’ as “BRAA-taa.” It’s often used in the marketplace as a bonus added to a deal. “Brawta” might also refer to a musical encore in a performance.
    • I bought a shirt at the market and she threw in this brawta…adorable earrings for free!

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References

  1. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  2. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  3. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  4. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  5. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  6. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  7. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  8. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  9. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  1. ↑ https://forvo.com/languages/jam/
  2. ↑ https://forvo.com/languages/jam/
  3. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  4. ↑ https://forvo.com/languages/jam/
  5. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  6. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  7. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  8. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  9. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  10. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  11. ↑ https://isleblue.co/magazine/jamaican-sayings-to-know-before-you-go/
  12. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  13. ↑ https://alexischateau.com/2018/01/26/10-awesome-words-phrases-invented-by-jamaicans-well-maybe/
  14. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/
  15. ↑ https://quillbot.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-some-jamaican-slang-words/

About This Article

Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.
Co-authored by:
Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Maryana Lucia Vestic is a staff writer at wikiHow. She holds a BFA in Film and TV Production from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, an M.Phil. in Irish Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin, and an MFA in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) from The New School. She has published articles for online publications, including Vice (Tonic), Porridge Magazine, and Tasting Table. Maryana writes and edits for the wikiHow content team on a number of topics she loves learning more about while helping others become more knowledgeable. Maryana is an expert in food, drink, cooking, and baking everything under the sun.
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