Ever texted a Jamaican friend and felt puzzled by the words and slangs they use? Jamaican texting slang is a mix of Patois with clever, punchy phrases that are as vibrant as the culture itself.
In this post, we’re breaking down 30 popular Jamaican texting slangs. These phrases will help you stay in the loop when chatting with friends or exploring Jamaican social media.
Greetings and Introductions
These are essential phrases for opening conversations and checking in with friends. Jamaican texting slang is known for its straightforward, friendly greetings that instantly set the tone for a casual chat.
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- “ Wah Gwaan „
- English Translation: What’s going on? / What’s up?
- Definition This phrase is one of the most common greetings in Jamaica, used to check in with friends or family in a casual, friendly way.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah gwaan, mi bredda?
(English) What’s up, my brother?
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- “ Wah di pree? „
- English Translation: What’s the vibe? / What’s happening?
- Definition This phrase is all about checking out the vibe or getting a sense of what’s happening.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah di pree fi di weekend?
(English) What’s the plan for the weekend?
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- “ Bless Up „
- English Translation: Sending blessings or positive vibes
- Definition Both a greeting and a well-wish. It can be used at the start or end of a conversation to express goodwill and positive energy.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Bless up, mi fam!
(English) Blessings to you, my family!
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- “ Mi G „
- English Translation: My friend / My homie
- Definition A term of endearment for a close friend, often used in a playful or friendly way.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi G! Wah gwaan?
(English) My friend! What’s up?
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- “ Big Up „
- English Translation: Shoutout / Much respect / Acknowledgment
- Definition Often used to show respect or give someone a shoutout, “Big Up” is a popular way of giving props to someone.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Big up yuhself, mi fren!
(English) Much respect to you, my friend!
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- “ Yow „
- English Translation: Hey / Hi
- Definition An informal greeting that’s short, simple, and used often in casual conversations.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Yow, mi deh yah!
(English) Hey, I’m here!
Expressing Emotion
These phrases are perfect for showing how you feel, whether it’s happiness, surprise, excitement, or just a laid-back vibe. Jamaican texting slangs in this category are full of personality and emotion.
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- “ Mi Deh Yah „
- English Translation: I’m here / I’m okay / I’m alright
- Definition A common response when someone asks how you’re doing. It’s a casual way of saying that everything is alright or that you’re in a good place.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi deh yah a relax
(English) I’m here just relaxing
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- “ Criss „
- English Translation: Cool, fine, or in good condition
- Definition Used to describe something that’s in great shape or looks stylish, like clothes, cars, or even a vibe.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Nah hear fram yuh, yuh criss?
(English) Not hearing from you, are you ok?
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- “ Tun Up „
- English Translation: Lively, exciting, or turned up
- Definition Used to describe something with a lot of energy, like a party, event, or even a song.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Di party did tun up!
(English) The party was really exciting!
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- “ Maaad! „
- English Translation: Crazy in a good way; awesome or amazing
- Definition An exclamation that expresses enthusiasm or appreciation, often used when something is exceptional.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Di food yah mad!
(English) The food is amazing!
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- “ Cyaah Badda „
- English Translation: I can’t be bothered / Not in the mood
- Definition Expresses a feeling of being fed up or not having the energy to deal with something.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi cyaah badda wid dem argument
(English) I can’t be bothered with their arguments
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- “ It Bun Mi „
- English Translation: It hurts me (emotionally) / I’m disappointed
- Definition Used to express a feeling of emotional pain, disappointment, or sadness, often when parting ways or facing bad news.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) It bun mi fi see yuh go
(English) It hurts me to see you leave
Reactions and Responses
Jamaican slang has plenty of colorful ways to react or respond in conversations, whether you’re agreeing, disagreeing, or just reacting to something surprising. Here are 6 popular expressions to use for authentic responses:
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- “ Mi Rate Dat „
- English Translation: I respect that / I approve of that
- Definition Used to show approval or respect for something someone has done.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi rate dat yuh stand up fi yuhself.
(English) I respect that you stood up for yourself.
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- “ Cho! „
- English Translation: Expression of annoyance, disbelief, or disapproval
- Definition Often used when something is frustrating or disappointing. It’s a quick, dismissive reaction that shows irritation.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Cho! Dem people too much
(English) Ugh! Those people are too much
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- “ Tru Ting „
- English Translation: True / That’s right
- Definition A way to agree with someone, confirming that what they said is correct or wise.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) True ting, yuh fi put yuhself first.
(English) True ting, yuh fi put yuhself first.
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- “ Nuff Respect „
- English Translation: Much respect / Full admiration
- Definition Used to show admiration or appreciation, often for someone’s effort or actions
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Nuff respect fi all yuh hard work
(English) Much respect for all your hard work
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- “ Mi Nah Lie „
- English Translation: I’m not lying / I’m telling the truth
- Definition A phrase to emphasize honesty or sincerity, often used to validate one’s opinion or reaction.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi nah lie, di food yah good
(English) I’m telling the truth, this food is good
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- “ Mi Nah Tek Dat „
- English Translation: I’m not accepting that / I won’t tolerate that
- Definition A strong reaction that shows you’re standing your ground or rejecting something.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi nah tek dat disrespect from nobody
(English) I won’t tolerate that disrespect from anyone
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SubscribeQuick Questions and Responses
These expressions are perfect for quick back-and-forth exchanges, whether you’re asking simple questions, confirming details, or giving short replies. Jamaican slang has a variety of ways to keep conversations casual and to the point.
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- “ Wah Dat? „
- English Translation: What’s that?
- Definition A quick way to ask about something unfamiliar or to show curiosity.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Wah dat yuh have inna yuh han?
(English) What’s that you have in your hand?
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- “ How Tings? „
- English Translation: How’s everything?
- Definition A simple question to check in on someone, similar to “How are things?”
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Example Sentences
(Patois) How tings, long time mi nuh see yuh
(English) How’s everything? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you
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- “ Weh Yuh Deh? „
- English Translation: Where are you?
- Definition Commonly used to find out someone’s location or check if they’re nearby
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Weh yuh deh? Mi deh pan mi way.
(English) Where are you? I’m on my way.
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- “ Mi Can Link Yuh? „
- English Translation: Can I meet up with you? / Can I call you?
- Definition Used to ask if someone is available to connect, whether in person or on a call.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi can link yuh later?
(English) Can I meet up with you later?
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- “ Fi Real? „
- English Translation: Really? / Is that true?
- Definition A quick way to express surprise or to confirm if something is true.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Fi real? Yuh get di job?
(English) Really? You got the job?
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- “ Mi Fi Do Wah? „
- English Translation: I’m supposed to do what?
- Definition Used to express confusion or to clarify instructions or expectations.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi fi do wah? Mi neva know mi haffi carry dat
(English) I’m supposed to do what? I didn’t know I had to bring that
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- “ Who Dat? „
- English Translation: Who’s that?
- Definition A quick question to ask about someone’s identity or to show curiosity.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Who dat yuh a talk to?
(English) Who’s that you’re talking to?
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- “ Weh Yuh Seh? „
- English Translation: What did you say? / Excuse me?
- Definition Often used when asking someone to repeat themselves or for clarification.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Weh yuh seh? Mi neva hear yuh clear.
(English) What did you say? I didn’t hear you clearly
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- “ Dat Right? „
- English Translation: Is that correct? / Is that true?
- Definition A way to confirm if something is accurate, often expressing mild surprise or disbelief.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Dem really a move? Dat right?
(English) Are they really moving? Is that true?
Jamaican Texting Abbreviations
Texting abbreviations are great for quick, expressive communication. Here’s a list of common Jamaican abbreviations that convey everything from laughter to frustration and more.
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- “ DWL „
- English Translation: Dying with laughter
- Definition Used to show that something is really funny, similar to “LOL” but with more emphasis.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi see yuh dance video, DWL!
(English) I saw your dance video, dying with laughter!
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- “ KMT „
- English Translation: Kiss mi teeth
- Definition Expresses irritation or disapproval; often used when something is disappointing or bothersome.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Di movie a start late, KMT
(English) The movie is starting late, kissing my teeth
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- “ DMST „
- English Translation: That's what I'm saying too
- Definition Abbreviation for "Dat mi seh to" which translates to "That's what I'm saying too"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Joe: "Dis too much fi wi"; Mark: ";DMST"
(English) Joe: "This is too much for us" Mark: "That's what I'm saying too"
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- “ Mnl „
- English Translation: I'm not laughing
- Definition Mnl- mi naah laugh
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Example Sentences
(Patois) It nuh funny, Mnl
(English) It's not funny, I'm not laughing
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- “ Yk „
- English Translation: You know
- Definition Yk is abbreviation for "yuh know"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Yk wah? Dis a di last time mi a dealid yuh!
(English) You know what? This is the last time I'm dealing with you!
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- “ Smh „
- English Translation: Shaking my head
- Definition Smh is abbreviation for "shake mi head"
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Smh, everyday dem fight
(English) Shaking my head, everyday they're fighting
Conclusion
Jamaican texting slang is all about keeping things lively and real, whether you’re laughing, venting, or just catching up with a friend. These expressions add a unique Jamaican vibe to your messages, making them more fun and authentic. Next time you’re texting, try out a few of these phrases and see how much more flavor they bring to the convo!.
If you’re curious about even more Jamaican phrases, check out our full dictionary. We’ve got all kinds of categories that dive into every corner of Jamaican language and culture—come explore and find a few new favorites!
