Jamaicans have a knack for renaming things, we call them nicknames. It’s a fun cultural quirk, where serious things are often made into a joke—and the new names somehow stick! We even have nicknames for food! Many of these nicknames seem random at first, but once you get the context, they make perfect sense. Take “dutty gyal,” for example—which is sinply tin mackerel in tomato sauce? But we’ll get to that in a few, as we explore some of the most unique Jamaican food names that are as surprising as they are memorable.

1.Flash Out / Dutty Gyal – Tin Mackerel

• “Flash out” or “Dutty Gyal” refers to none other than tin mackerel—a pantry staple for many Jamaicans. The term “flash out” likely comes from the quick wrist action needed to shake the tightly packed mackerel from the tin, while “dutty gyal” brings a cheeky cultural reference to the Dutty Wine dance, making the whole thing sound more exciting than the can it comes in! Check out an awesome recipe for a Dutty Gyal Pasta here.

2. Corn Pound / Tun Cornmeal – Jamaican Version of Grits

• Corn Pone or Tun Cornmeal is Jamaica’s answer to grits, but with a bit more flair. Made from ground corn it is cooked to a firmer, drier consistency. In Jamaica, it’s a staple often paired with frankfurters, bacon, or salt fish. Now, since it firms up like a dense Jamaican pudding—or as we say, a ‘pone’—some call it corn pone. But in other parts of Jamaica, they keep it simple and call it tun cornmeal because, well, you turn it in the pot. If you’re curious about the texture or how it’s made, check out the video on this recipe card. It’ll all make sense after that!

3. Bully Beef – Corned Beef

• Bully Beef is the Jamaican term for corned beef, a popular and versatile canned meat. This name likely comes from the British slang term “bully” for beef, reflecting Jamaica’s colonial history. Bully beef is often used in various dishes, but especially for sandwiches and sides. Here is a delicious recipe to try for our corned beef and cabbage meat dish.

4. Sweetie – Candy

• Sweetie is the Jamaican term for candy. This endearing name highlights the island’s love for sweets and treats, which come in many forms, from hard candies to chocolates. The term “sweetie” is used affectionately, much like how one would refer to a loved one.

5. Breshi – Breadfruit

• Breshi is the Jamaican term for breadfruit, a starchy fruit that is a staple in many Jamaican dishes. Breadfruit can be roasted, fried, or boiled, and is often served as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. If you happen to have some ackee and saltfish at the same time your breadfruit tree started to bear it would be like a blessing from the heavens. In fact, check out this ackee and saltfish recipe and save it for the next time this blessing befalls you. The name “Breshi” is a local slang that reflects the fruit’s importance in Jamaican cuisine.

6. Janga – Freshwater Lobster

• Janga is the Jamaican name for freshwater lobster, a delicacy found in the island’s rivers and streams. Janga is prized for its sweet, succulent meat and is often prepared in a variety of dishes, including soups and stews. The term “Janga” can sometimes be interchanged with the term ‘crayfish’ and sometimes used in our Jamaican seafood broil. Check the recipe for that here.

7. Crystal Punch – Water or Lime Water

• Crystal Punch is a term many Jamaicans, especially those who’ve experienced tough times, will recognize. Jamaicans are known for their pride and incredible hospitality—it’s almost a rule to offer guests something to drink. But when all that’s available is water (or water with a splash of key lime for a zesty twist), Crystal Punch was born. People would say, “All mi have fi offer yuh is a likkle Crystal Punch!”—whether it was just water or water with that sour, crisp lime flavor. It always got a laugh, broke the ice, and turned a humble gesture into something refreshingly memorable.

And there you have it—7 unique Jamaican food names that turn everyday meals into something more memorable. These names reflect the humor, creativity, and cultural pride that make Jamaica so special. From a can of mackerel dubbed “dutty gyal” to a refreshing glass of Crystal Punch, Jamaicans have a way of adding character to even the simplest things. So, whether you’re enjoying these foods or just hearing the names for the first time, you’re getting a taste of the spirit that makes Jamaica truly one-of-a-kind!