duppy

English Definition

A ghost or spirit of the dead.

Patois Definition

Dem say a duppy live inna di old house.

Etymology

• (Possibly derived from Bube dupe (“ghost”) or Akan adɔpe. Compare Bajan duppy.)

Cultural Context

Rooted in West African spiritual beliefs brought to Jamaica. Referenced in mento, ska, and dancehall storytelling.

Examples

• "Dem say a duppy live inna di old house."

  Are you afraid of ghosts?

• "Yuh fraid a duppy?"

  The poltergeists are wrecking the place.

• "Di duppy dem a mash up di place."

  Once there were poltergeists in my home. I had trouble sleeping because of them […]

• "“Duppy did inna me house one time. Dem did a mek me couldn’t sleep […]”"