It’s official, our Word of the Year for 2024 is Big Up Yuhself! This phrase isn’t just a saying; it’s a vibe. It’s about showing love, giving respect, and reminding yourself (and others) to stay proud and confident.
What Does “Big Up Yuhself” Mean?
At its core, “Big Up Yuhself” means celebrate yourself or big yourself up. Whether you’re hyping up a friend, giving props to someone, or just reminding yourself to shine, this phrase hits every time.
How People Use It:
- To Congratulate Someone: “Mi si yuh a mek move! Big up yuhself.”
- For Encouragement:“Nuh watch dem. Big up yuhself an gwaan faawud.”
- As a Greeting: “Mi glad fi si yuh, big up yuhself.”
Why "Big Up Yuhself" is the Word of the Year
2024 was a year of people stepping into their greatness and recognizing each other’s wins. Whether it was in the streets of Jamaica, in music, or on social media, “Big Up Yuhself” was the go-to phrase to show love and hype people up. It’s positive, it’s empowering, and it’s pure Jamaican energy.
Top Runners-Up for 2024
While “Big Up Yuhself” took the crown, these words were also widely celebrated this year, each reflecting unique facets of Jamaican culture and everyday life:
- Boasy: Meaning proud, confident, or showing off.
- Deh: A versatile word that simply means “there.”
- Y Pree: A question that translates to “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”
- Cruff: A slang term referring to someone who is lazy or unmotivated.
- Genna: Refers to a leader, boss, or someone who holds authority or influence.
Help Us Pick Next Year’s Word!
What word or phrase should take the top spot for 2025? Drop your suggestions in the comments or DM us on Instagram.
Until then, remember: Big up yuhself! Take pride in who you are, celebrate your wins, and don’t forget to show some love to the people around you.
