babilan

English Definition

The corrupt system of oppression — police, government, or unjust authority.

Patois Definition

Babilan system cyaan hold wi doun.

Literal Translation

Babylon (oppressive system)

Etymology

• Biblical/Rastafari · Babylon — imperial oppression

Cultural Context

Borrowed from Rastafari theology referencing biblical Babylon. Ubiquitous in roots reggae from Bob Marley to Burning Spear.

Where you'd hear it

These tags describe the situations or styles of speech where this word commonly appears — for example at church, in everyday chat, or in dancehall lyrics.

• Iyaric (Rastafari speech) Special vocabulary used in Rastafari and conscious reggae (e.g. “I and I”).
• Religious Heard in church, Bible reading, prayer, or spiritual gatherings.
• Roots reggae Conscious reggae lyrics and Rastafari-influenced speech.
• Formal Careful, written-style speech — less slang, more like a sermon or official text.