Patois Dictionary
1
Meaning
Affectionate, proud nickname for Jamaica.
Example
"Damian Marley sing bout "Welcome to Jamrock"."
2
Meaning
Colloquial, affectionate nickname for Jamaica.
Example
"Welcome back home to Jamdung!"
3
Meaning
Storytelling closing ritual formula ("Jack Mandora, mi nuh chose none").
Example
"Di storyteller finish di Anansi story with "Jack-mandora, mi nuh chose none.""
4
Meaning
A secret male lover who sneaks in with a married or committed woman.
Example
"Di husband catch Joe-grind hiding under di bed."
5
Meaning
In a short moment, very soon, or just a short moment ago.
Example
"Mi wi be ready jus' now, give mi two minute."
6
Meaning
A newcomer, inexperienced person, or naive fresh arrival.
Example
"Him a act like him know di place, but him a jus' come."
8
Meaning
To poke, jab, stab, or pierce with a sharp object.
Example
"A needle jook mi finger while mi a sew di button."
9
Meaning
Traditional Christmas masquerade folk performance featuring costumed characters.
Example
"Di Jonkunnu dancers process through di town with fife and drum."
10
Meaning
A thick, dark, tightly twisted roll of home-grown cured tobacco.
Example
"Di old man slice piece off him jackass rope tobacco fi smoke him pipe."
11
Meaning
A style of cooking native to Jamaica where meat is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with a hot spice mixture.
Example
"Buy two pound a jerk pork and some festival down a Boston Beach."
12
Meaning
Young green coconut containing sweet coconut water and soft edible meat.
Example
"Stop di truck and buy two cold jelly coconut fi drink."
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Category
Part of Speech