Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting to enquire how somebody is or what’s up.
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How do you say hello in Jamaica?
Ello is the most common way to say hello in Jamaican patois. It is very similar to the English version but they don’t pronounce the ‘h’ at the start. Wah gwaan is a casual and friendly greeting which literally means ‘what’s going on’. It can be used to say hello or to ask someone how they are.
What is the meaning of Mi Deh Yah?
Everything is okay
‘Mi Deh Yah, Yuh Know’
The expression is often used as a response to “wah gwaan, and it means “Everything is okay.” It may also mean “I’m doing well.” Picture: Color party at Sandals Ochi – a vibrant all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
What are some Jamaican slang words?
18 Jamaican Patois Phrases Translated to English
- I Will Be Right Back – Mi Soon Come.
- To Eat – Nyam.
- Jamaica – Jamrock, Jamdown, Yard.
- Jamaican – Yardie, Yard man.
- Friend – Bredren (male), Sistren (female)
- Well Done – Big up, Respect.
- Excellent – Sell off, Tun up, Wicked.
- What’s up? – Wah gwaan, Whappen, Whe yu a seh?
What’s going on in Jamaican slang?
What does wagwan mean? Wagwan is a way to say What’s going on? in Jamaican English, used throughout the Jamaican diaspora (or where Jamaican people live outside of Jamaica), especially in South London.
What is bye in Jamaican?
“Mi Gaan” – I’m gone, Goodbye. “Lata” – Later ; See you later. “Inna Di Morrows” – See you tomorrow. “Walk gud / tek care” – Stay Safe / Take Care. Walk good in this sense means to stay out of trouble or to be careful.
How do Jamaicans say thank you?
A collection of useful phrases in Jamaican, an English-based creole with influences from languages of West and Central Africa spoken mainly in Jamaica.
Useful phrases in Jamaican.
| Phrase | Jimiekn / Patwah (Jamaican) |
|---|---|
| Sorry | Hush |
| Please | A beg yuh |
| Thank you | Tanks Thenk yuh |
| Reply to thank you |
Why do Jamaicans say Irie?
Irie – Irie in Jamaica is a commonly used phrase and can mean a few things. Typically, the irie meaning translastes to “everything is fine”. So, if a Jamaican asks you How yuh stay? it would be perfectly acceptable to respond with a mi irie.
What is a famous Jamaican saying?
Jamaican Sayings for Life
Life isn’t fair. Things are not always as they seem. Sheltered persons don’t know true hardship or troubles. Danger lurks nearby when there is too much merriment and excitement.
What does licky licky mean in Jamaican?
You too Licky Licky. You Never Want a Jamaican to call you “Licky Licky” This is similar to beggy beggy but is usually in reference to someone who shows greedy tendencies and will quickly compromise their morals for material gain.
How do Jamaicans greet each other?
The most common greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact, and a warm smile. Use the appropriate salutation for the time of day: “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening”. Once a friendship has been established, women may hug and kiss on each cheek, starting with the right.
What does bless up mean in Jamaican?
(Jamaica, informal) A greeting or farewell.
What does Gwan Gwan mean?
(Jamaican creole, MLE, MTE) A casual greeting with a meaning similar to what’s up.
How do Jamaicans say sorry?
Useful phrases in Jamaican
| Phrase | Jimiekn / Patwah (Jamaican) |
|---|---|
| Sorry | Hush |
| Please | A beg yuh |
| Thank you | Tanks Thenk yuh |
| Reply to thank you |
How do you say pretty in Jamaican?
Criss: Jamaican expression meaning “Pretty;” “fine;” or “okay.” Finnicky: Flighty; jumpy.
What can you not say to a Jamaican?
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.
9 Things You Never Want To Hear A Jamaican Say About You
- Mi Spirit Nuh Tek To Dem. Mi Spirit Nuh Tek To Dem.
- Yuh a crassis.
- Yuh too bad mind.
- Yuh ave no brothupsy.
- Yuh a get bun.
Why do Rastas say yes?
“Yes I” is a Rasta term, meaning positive vibration. For Rastafarians, the most powerful and significant letter is “I” which can also be used as a word and a number.
What does blood clot mean in Jamaican?
Blood Claat is what a Menstrual Pad was called in the old days. You are calling someone a tampon essentially, but it is very very very derogatory in Jamaica. It is the. equivalent of saying the “F” word in English countries.
How do you make a Jamaican laugh?
Meaning: Don’t criticize others in their presence.
10 Jamaican Proverbs To Make You Laugh Out Loud
- “Monkey mus know weh him gwine put him tail, before him order trousiz.”
- “Rat belly full, potato have skin.” OR “When puss belly full im seh rat batty bitter.”
- “Rockstone a riva bottom nuh know sun hat.”
What is Jamaica’s motto?
Out of Many One People
The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People‘, based on the population’s multiracial roots. The motto is represented on the Coat of Arms, showing a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on either side of a shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples.
How do Rastas greet each other?
In Rastafarian, you would greet a friend on the street by saying “Bredren, wa gwaan?” The other Rasta may respond with: “Bwai, ya done know seh mi deya gwaan easy.” This means: “”I’m here just taking it easy.”