Trending Words on Jamaican Patwah

That’s what was supposed to happen to you

"A dat fi appen to yuh" is a Jamaican Patois expression that means “that’s what was supposed to happen to you” or “you deserved that.” It is often used when someone experiences a consequence or misfortune that is seen as fitting or justified based on their actions. The phrase can carry tones of judgment, sarcasm, or satisfaction, especially when the speaker feels the person brought the situation on themselves. It’s commonly used in arguments, storytelling, or as a sharp remark when someone is being called out for their behavior. Depending on the tone, it can range from playful teasing to serious condemnation.

Patois: Yuh always a chat people — a dat fi appen to yuh!
English: You’re always gossiping — you deserved that!

Blouse and skirts

Slang word, normally use when one is surprise

(patois) Blouse an skirt! ah weh dat come fram?
(english) What the Hell! Where did that come from?

You already know

Slang expression used to emphasize the validity of a fact. Used somewhat like " Of course", its translation would be "you already know" or "you know it!"

Patois: Yuh dun know seh wi ago deh deh tonite!
English: You already know that we will be there tonight!

Brethren

It literally means brethren or brother. It can also be used in reference to a male friend. brethren as in being friends.

Patois: Cum ova yah suh, mi brejin.
English: Come over here, my brother.

Womanizer, Ladies' Man

A term used to describe a man who is popular among women and has a way with them, often used to denote someone who is charming and successful in romantic pursuits

Patois: Him a real gyalis, always surrounded by beautiful women
English: He's a real womanizer, always surrounded by beautiful women

Bother

To disturb or irritate.

Patois: Nuh badda mi rite now.
English: Don't bother me right now.

Look here

(patois) Coo Yah! Yu nuh si mi a chat
(english) Look Here! Do you not see me talking

Darn

An exclamation of annoyance similar to 'darn.'

Patois: Cho! ah weh im tink im ah guh duh?
English: Darn! What does he think he is going to do?

Whatever happens

A slang expression used to convey indifference regarding the outcome of an issue.

Patois: Mi nuh care, anyting a anyting
English: I don’t care, whatever happens.

We control things, things do not control us

We are in control of our own destiny

Patois: It nuh matta wah dem duh, wi run tings, tings nuh run wi
English: It doesn't matter what they do, we are in control of our own destiny

That’s the way it is

Whipped

A male who will do anything (even if it involves making himself look like a complete idiot) in order to please a female. Examples of this include spending large sums of money on the female’s birthday, Christmas or dinner (even if he can’t afford it), dissing friends because he wants to spend more time with the female or reprioritizing of the female over family, friends, food, water and air. In short, the male world blindly revolves around the female. The literal translation is “girl clown”.

Patois: Frank a gyal clown, him spend him entire month’s pay fi buy jewelry fi him gal
English: Frank is whipped, he spent his entire month’s pay buying jewelry for his girl.