Wha gwaan mi bredrin and sistren? Kareem here from Kareem’s Quest, your one-stop shop for all things Jamaica! Today, we’re looking into the vibrant world of Jamaican language, a unique blend of influences that reflects the culture of our people.
Jamaica, true to our motto “Out of Many, One People”, is a beautiful island nation where folks of African descent make up the majority, but our cultural gumbo is flavoured by influences from Europe, Asia, and the Indigenous Taíno people. This incredible mix seeps into everything, and our language is no exception!
Now, we Jamaicans have a way with words, crafting a whole new vocabulary that perfectly captures the island’s energy and spirit. These words, while predominantly Jamaican, might have cousins in other Caribbean islands or even West Africa. But trust me, there’s a certain Jamaican flava that makes them shine.
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Let’s get started with some everyday words you won’t find in any stuffy dictionary:
- Fenkeh Fenkeh: This one’s easy. When something is straight-up rubbish, quality-wise, that’s fenkeh fenkeh. Don’t settle for fenkeh fenkeh, you deserve better!
- Kukumkum & Budufbah: Now, these two are a bit more…descriptive. Kukumkum describes a slim lady, and budufbah is its opposite, for our more voluptuous sisters. We celebrate all body types here!
- Brawta: Ever need a little extra with your meal? Maybe a bit more rice and peas? Ask for some brawta! It’s a great way to show appreciation and get a belly full.
- Feeling a bit panka panka lately? Don’t worry, that just means you’re low on energy, just surviving. We’ve all been there, ya mon. But a little sunshine and some jerk chicken will fix you right up!
- Tallawah – strong, resilient
- Braps – when something happens suddenly
- Kuchument – an assortment of things
- Hallupshalup – to look disorganised especially with regards to deportment.
- lick and promise – Do something half hearted
- cut batty and draw eaaze – to punish (usually a child)
- ketchy shubby – sexual connotation
- helta skelta – to be all over the place
To learn more Jamaican words, check out part 2 of this series.
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Craving your own Jamaican escape? Head over to our TOUR PAGE to connect with Kareem’s Quest! We can help you plan your itinerary, find the perfect hotels and adventures, and ensure you experience the authentic side of Jamaica.
