There are many words and expressions within patios that are of African origin, the majority being “Akan” which is a Ethnicity coming from the Ghana region(Gold Coast) . During slavery, many people of the Akan Ethnicity were taken to Jamaica, so their language, religion and culture play a major role in the formation of the Jamaican culture. Here are some Jamaican Patois words that have African origins.
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- “Ackee „
- Source Language: Akan
- Original Word: Ánky?
- Definition Ackee is one of the most popular fruits in Jamaica. It is Jamaica’s national fruit and also Jamaica’s national dish combined with salt fish.
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- “Ginal „
- Source Language: Akan (Ashanti Twi)
- Original Word: Gyinaa
- Definition Someone who is a trickster or con-person.
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- “Bafan „
- Source Language: Akan
- Original Word: Bofran
- Definition Someone who is very awkward or clumsy
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- “Dukunu „
- Source Language: Akan (Asante Twi)
- Definition (also known as blue draws or tie-a-leaf in Jamaica), a dessert item similar to bread pudding.
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- “Unu „
- Source Language: Igbo
- Original Word: únù
- Definition you (plural)
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- “Obeah „
- Source Language: Akan (Ashanti Twi)
- Original Word: Obayi
- Definition The witchcraft or black magic that is practice by some in Jamaica. Annie Palmer (The White Witch of Rose hall) was an infamous practitioner of this dark magic.
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- “Backra „
- Source Language: Efik
- Original Word: Mbakára
- Definition white man
- Learn correct word pronunciation
- Understand grammar and structure
- Handy everyday phrases
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- “Anansi „
- Source Language: Akan, Ewe
- Original Word: Anansi
- Definition Spider
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- “Juk „
- Source Language: Fula
- Original Word: Jukka
- Definition Poke
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- “Red Eye „
- Source Language: Akan
- Original Word: Ani bere
- Definition envious
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- “Dundus „
- Source Language: Kongo
- Original Word: ndundu
- Definition an albino; someone that lacks pigmentation in the skin
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- “Jonkonnu „
- Source Language: Igbo
- Definition Folk festival, street festival, parade
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- “Patoo „
- Source Language: Ga Language
- Original Word: Patu
- Definition Owl
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- “Nyam „
- Source Language: Akan
- Definition to eat
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- “Kaba-kaba „
- Source Language: Yoruba (and Akan, Ewe)
- Definition unreliable, inferior, worthless
Beginner's Guide to Speaking Jamaican Patois
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