Jamaican Patois Dictionary

Jamaican Patois (Patwa) is the language spoken every day across Jamaica — at home, in the market, on the bus, and in reggae and dancehall lyrics. It developed from West African languages, English, and other influences over centuries. It is not “broken English”; it has its own grammar, sounds, and vocabulary.

This dictionary helps you look up words, see what they mean in plain English, and discover where they appear in our music archive. Each entry shows one main spelling (the form used in Jamaican language projects and learner books). If people write the word differently — like pickney for pikni — we list those too and link you to the same definition.

2,197 words with clear definitions, drawn from trusted sources including learner grammars, Wiktionary, and words linked to songs in our catalog. Search below or browse A–Z.

About spelling & sources

Jamaican Patois is often written several ways. Linguists use a consistent spelling system so learners can read words the way they sound. We follow that standard here while still showing familiar alternate spellings.

Definitions are compiled from open language resources and verified launch entries. Some words also link to songs where you can hear them in context. You can suggest your own example sentences at the bottom of any word page.

2197 terms