Introduction
Jamaican slangs is more than just words—it’s the heartbeat of the island’s culture. Bold, rhythmic, and expressive, slang and Patois phrases capture the humor, history, and everyday life of Jamaica. Whether you’re reasoning with a friend, vibing at a dance, or shopping at a corner store, Jamaican expressions color every conversation.
In this guide, Wha Dem Seh?, you’ll discover over 38 of the most popular Jamaican slangs and expressions—complete with meanings, examples, and cultural notes. By the end, you’ll understand not just what Jamaicans are saying, but the deeper vibes behind the language.
Why Jamaican Slang Matters
Jamaican slang isn’t only about communication—it’s about identity. The phrases carry traces of African, British, and Caribbean roots, all blended into a uniquely Jamaican sound. From greetings like “Wah gwaan?” to hype talk like “Tun up”, these sayings connect Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Learning these expressions also helps visitors, reggae and dancehall fans, and members of the diaspora feel more connected to the island.
Greetings and Everyday Talk
Wah gwaan?
Meaning: What’s going on? / What’s up?
Example: “Wah gwaan, mi bredda?”
Cultural Note: One of the most globally recognized Jamaican slang greetings, often met with “Mi deh yah.”
Irie
Meaning: Everything is good, alright, peaceful
Example: “How yuh feelin’?” — “Mi irie, man.”
Cultural Note: Rooted in Rastafarian culture, it expresses joy and spiritual balance.
Walk good
Meaning: Take care / Safe journey
Example: “Later mi fren. Walk good.”
Cultural Note: A heartfelt goodbye that shows Jamaican warmth.
Hush
Meaning: Sorry / Expression of comfort
Example: “Hush, mi know yuh feel it.”
Cultural Note: Unlike in English, it’s not silencing—it’s compassion.
Mi deh yah
Meaning: I’m here / I’m doing okay
Example: “Wah gwaan?” — “Mi deh yah, yuh know.”
Cultural Note: The standard reply—humble, grounded, and uniquely Jamaican.
Yeah man
Meaning: Yes / No problem
Example: “Mi a link yuh later.” — “Yeah man.”
Cultural Note: A positive, reassuring affirmation that’s become iconic worldwide.
Likkle more
Meaning: See you later
Example: “Mi gone now, likkle more.”
Cultural Note: A casual, friendly farewell like “Catch you later.”
Bless up
Meaning: Stay well / Be blessed
Example: “Mi a cut now, bless up.”
Cultural Note: A respectful send-off that’s spiritual and uplifting.
Hype Expressions and Party Talk
Tun up
Meaning: Lit, exciting, top-tier
Example: “Di party tun up last night!”
Cultural Note: From dancehall, describes high energy and excellence.
Mad ting
Meaning: Something wild, amazing, or outrageous
Example: “Yow, di moves dem was a mad ting!”
Cultural Note: Can mean crazy impressive or shockingly wild.
Big up
Meaning: Respect / Shout-out
Example: “Big up yuhself every time!”
Cultural Note: Popular in reggae and dancehall—means props and recognition.
Shell dung
Meaning: Dominate, mash up (an event)
Example: “Di artiste shell dung di stage!”
Cultural Note: Big praise in music culture—delivering a killer performance.
Run di place
Meaning: To dominate / Be in charge
Example: “She a run di place inna fashion.”
Cultural Note: High respect—used for leaders, trendsetters, or winners.
Dun know
Meaning: Of course / You already know
Example: “Mi have yuh back. Dun know!”
Cultural Note: A confident statement of loyalty or agreement.
Food and Everyday Life Slang
Brawta
Meaning: A little extra, often food or goods
Example: “Mi buy two dumplin an’ di lady gi mi brawta!”
Cultural Note: Reflects generosity—extra love from vendors.
Craven
Meaning: Greedy, especially with food
Example: “Yuh too craven, save some fi di rest a wi!”
Cultural Note: Said humorously at mealtime or teasing kids.
Nyam
Meaning: Eat
Example: “Mi hungry, mi need something fi nyam.”
Cultural Note: Widely used term, straight to the point.
Insults, Clashes, and Badwords
Bad like yaaaz (yaws)
Meaning: Extremely stylish, impressive, or dangerously good
Example: “Yuh see she outfit? She bad like yaaaz!”
Cultural Note: From yaws, a contagious disease—implies someone’s impact is infectious.
Claat (bumboclaat, rassclaat, etc.)
Meaning: Strong Jamaican expletive
Example: “Bumboclaat! Mi drop mi phone again.”
Cultural Note: Potent curse word rooted in “cloth.” Not polite, but very Jamaican.
Fassy
Meaning: Disrespectful, shady, or fake person
Example: “Mi nuh deal wid fassy people.”
Cultural Note: Popular in dancehall culture—calls out untrustworthy people.
Kaka faart
Meaning: A useless, annoying, or foolish person
Example: “Gweh from yah so, yuh a real kaka faart!”
Cultural Note: A crude but funny insult—emphasizing stink or foolishness.
Street Talk and Everyday Phrases
Nuh badda mi
Meaning: Leave me alone / Don’t bother me
Example: “Mi tired, nuh badda mi today.”
Tek weh yuhself
Meaning: Leave / Go away
Example: “Mi nuh inna di drama, tek weh yuhself.”
Mi soon come
Meaning: I’ll be back soon (not always literally soon)
Example: “Mi soon come, don’t move.”
Uzeeet?
Meaning: You get it? / Do you understand?
Example: “Mi nuh waan repeat miself again, uzeeet?”
Yute
Meaning: Young person / Youth
Example: “Di yute dem full a vibes.”
Zeen
Meaning: Okay / I understand
Example: “Wi a link later, zeen?”
A who dat?
Meaning: Who’s that?
Example: “A who dat pon di phone?”
Small up yuhself
Meaning: Make room / Squeeze in
Example: “Small up yuhself so mi can sit down.”
Deh pon
Meaning: On something / Busy with something
Example: “Mi deh pon di grind all week.”
Pree
Meaning: Watch / Observe closely
Example: “Mi a pree di man from long time.”
Lift up
Meaning: Leave / Move away
Example: “Lift up outta di yard, mi nuh inna it today.”
Talk Di Tings Dem – Final Thoughts
From greetings like “Wah gwaan” to hype phrases like “Tun up”, Jamaican slang is a window into the island’s soul. These sayings carry history, attitude, and culture—mixing humor, resilience, and rhythm into everyday talk.
This glossary is just the start. There are countless more Jamaican slangs, expressions, and sayings to discover, like our deep dive into Jamaican Badwords 101.
So keep listening, keep learning, and most of all—talk di tings dem with pride.
Did we miss one of your favorite slangs?
Jamaican language is always evolving, and we know there are countless phrases out there beyond this glossary.
👉 Drop your favorite Jamaican slang in the comments below or share it with us on Instagram @showcasejamaicamedia. We’ll be adding reader suggestions in our next slang roundup — so your pick might be featured!
Until next time, Walk Good.
