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.
75 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.
75 terms
- aad iezHard ears; stubborn, unwilling to listen to advice.
- aiWe; the divine unity of self and others; inclusive first person (Rastafari Iyaric).
- akiAckee, the national fruit of Jamaica.
- all fruits ripeEverything is going well; all is favorable.
- babilanThe corrupt system of oppression — police, government, or unjust authority.
- babylonThe corrupt system of oppression — police, government, or unjust authority.
- bafanClumsy, awkward, or foolish in movement or manner.
- bakraWhite person; historically, white slaveholder or colonial ruling class.
- bam bamA ruckus, commotion, or explosive energy; also a landmark dancehall anthem title.
- banggarangUproar, disturbance, commotion, or cluttered disorder.
- bibleHigh-frequency JLU religious term.
- big upTo praise, respect, or give recognition to someone.
- bosTo shoot; to burst forth; to break through (especially in performance or conflict).
- bradaHigh-frequency JLU kinship term (brother).
- brawtaSomething extra given as a bonus or gratuity.
- bredrenClose male friend; brother in spirit.
- bunTo cheat on a partner; betrayal in a relationship.
- chargieA close, trusted friend; ride-or-die companion.
- crissNice, sharp, well-dressed, or cool.
- cyaanCannot; unable to.
- dehThere; to be located.
- demThey; them.
- dounpresTo oppress; to hold down through unjust authority (Iyaric inversion of "oppress").
- dun knowYou already know; obviously; for sure.
- dupiA ghost or spirit of the dead; an apparition.
- duppyA ghost or spirit of the dead.
- fenke-fenkeFrail, puny, or weak in constitution.
- fiFor; to (infinitive marker).
- forwardMove ahead; encouragement to progress or keep going.
- gazaVybz Kartel's affiliated community and fan base; Portmore, St. Catherine.
- gennaChristmas season in Jamaica; also used to describe festive, celebratory energy.
- gullyThe inner-city community; associated with Gaza/Gully dancehall faction culture.
- gwaan easyTake it easy; relax; go slowly.
- gyalisA man who is romantically involved with multiple women; a ladies' man or player.
- hangleTo hang around idly; loiter.
- irieEverything is good; feeling positive, peaceful, or alright.
- jehovaHigh-frequency JLU religious term.
- jinalA trickster, con artist, or cunning person.
- kanselCancel
- kotchTo sit or rest; to hang out.
- laba-labaExcessive or gossiping talk.
- likkle moreSee you later; goodbye (literally 'little more').
- lukSearch; look
- mash upTo destroy, overwhelm, or perform exceptionally well.
- mawgaThin, meagre, underweight.
- miI; me.
- mi soon comeI will arrive shortly.
- nyabinghiA Rastafari drumming ceremony and spiritual gathering.
- nyamTo eat (often voraciously).
- obyaAfro-Caribbean folk magic, sorcery, or spiritual practice.
- pickneyA child.
- pikniA child.
- pikni demHigh-frequency JLU plural phrase (children).
- plaayPlay
- raasAnus or posterior; used intensively as an exclamation or intensifier. Considered highly vulgar in formal registers.
- riddimAn instrumental track over which multiple artists record different songs.
- selahAmen; so be it; a pause for reflection (from biblical/Psalms usage).
- sevSave
- shell dungTo destroy, dominate, or tear down — on stage or in an argument.
- sistaHigh-frequency JLU kinship term (sister).
- sisterClose female friend; sister in spirit.
- sleng tengA marijuana cigarette; also the landmark 1985 digital dancehall riddim produced by King Jammy.
- small up yuhselfMake room; move aside.
- tek weh yuhselfRemove yourself; leave.
- tumpaButtocks; posterior (often in humorous or scolding contexts).
- tun upTurn up; extremely lively, exciting, or hyped.
- unuYou (plural); all of you.
- wah gwaanWhat's going on? A universal greeting meaning hello or what's up.
- walk goodTake care; goodbye (literally 'walk well').
- wickedExcellent, impressive, or extremely good (opposite of standard English meaning).
- wineTo dance with rhythmic hip movement; to gyrate.
- yardHome, Jamaica, or one's community.
- yuYou (singular).
- zeenYou understand?; you see?; right?
- ztingsSettings