20 JAMAICAN WORDS OF EXCLAMATION
Although English is a Jamaican’s first language, visitors always seem incredibly eager to communicate with us in Patois; much to our entertainment. Fact is, it would take years of living in Jamaica to learn the native tongue and just about a lifetime to achieve a natural sounding accent.
Jamaicans are an extremely expressive nation of people. We also tend to spell words EXACTLY how they’re pronounced, hence one word may be spelled in many different ways.
With that in mind, here are 20 words and phrases normally used for exclamation:
But si yah! – What the hell?
Geezam! – Oh my!
Yuh fenneh – I wish you luck (sarcastic)
Lowe mi! – Leave me alone!
Baxide! – Oh my god!
Watch it deh! – Move!
Look yah nuh! – Pay attention
Cho / Cho man! – Expression of frustration
Tan deh! – Stay there (sarcastic)
Backfoot! – Expression of surprise
Move frah yah – Get away!
Ku deh! – Look at that!
Kaka fawt! – Expression of surprise (in disbelief)
Kiss mi neck! – Expression of wonder
Lawks! – Oh dear!
Gweh! – Go away
Watch ya! – Look at this!
Rhatid! – Expression of surprise
Mi mumma! – Expression of disbelief
As with any other language, the best way to learn is spending time where it is always spoken. Book your next trip to begin your lesson. You may also want to keep this list nearby.
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