The official language of Jamaica is English. Now that that’s been established, the local dialect, known as patois, is one that is lively and expressive and though often confusing to foreigners, is usually adored by all. 

Here are 10 native Jamaican Patois words/phrases to know and possibly use on your next visit to Jamaica.

1. Yu Zimmi 

This phrase is often used at the end of a sentence or statement to confirm that the listener comprehends what the speaker is saying. The phrase “yu zimmi” is a shortened version of “do you understand me?” and is commonly used in Jamaican conversations to check if everyone is on the same page… yu zimmi? 

English variations: You feel me?  Do you get what I’m saying?  Do you understand me?

2. Bang belly

This term is used to describe someone with a large stomach that usually overhangs their waist. Needless to say, this is not a desirable characteristic but nonetheless, we move! 

3. Hush

Contrary to how hush is used by the rest of the English-speaking population, that is ‘to shut up’, in Jamaica the term is used to express empathy or to comfort others. 

Here are a few ways in which the term is used: 

Person 1: “Mi head a hurt mi bad bad”

Person 2: “Hush”

Person 1: “Mi bruck like dawg’

Person 2: “Hush”

Person 1: “Mi miss the bus this morning”

Person 2: “Hush”

4. Crawsis

Be careful when using this one, especially to refer to someone. A matter of fact… 

WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!

This term in Jamaica means bad luck, problems, calamity, misfortune, tribulation, distress and all things related. 

Here are three type of people who are often classed as crawsis in Jamaica:

Yu wuckliss baby father (Worthless father of your children)

Yu teefin nayba (Thieving neighbour)

Rude Pickney (Problematic child)

5. Chakka Chakka

This term means untidy. 

6. Irie 

This is used to describe feelings of happiness, contentment, and positivity. It’s a feel good word that can also be used as a greeting or as a general expression of good vibes and positive energy.

7. Nyam

This simple means to eat. Now, I’m not sure how we as a people got ‘nyam’ from ‘eat’ but here we are and wi nuh feel no way!

8. Badmind 

Popularly used as an adjective in Jamaica, this term is used to refer to those who are envious, jealous and generally showcase a negative attitude towards the success of others. Those who are accused of having “badmind” are seen as being unable to genuinely celebrate others’ accomplishments and cannot be trusted. It is therefore imperative that we combine forces with the legendary Elephant Man and ‘bun badmind’!

Click Here for the rallying cry and to join the movement to end badmind. 

9. Pickney 

In Jamaica, a ‘pickney’ is a child. 

10. Gwaan/Galang

“Gwaan” and “galang” are similar in meaning and can be used interchangeable on most occasions.  “Gwaan” is used to encourage someone to proceed or carry on with what they’re doing. For eg. ‘Gwaan do wah yu a do.’ (Continue to do what you’re doing) It can also be used to ask someone how they are doing or what is happening. For eg. “Wah a gwaan?” (What’s going on/What’s happening?)  “Galang” means to “go along” or “go ahead”. With that said, what do you think the phase ‘Galang ‘bout yu business’ means? 

Thanks for reading. 

Walk Good!