Ever walk through a Jamaican market and hear these cool greetings flying back and forth? Maybe you caught a glimpse of the word "yaadie" scrawled on some street art and wondered what it meant.
Well, if you're looking to go beyond the "hello’s and "goodbyes" on your Jamaican trip, this post is for you! Let’s explore the Jamaican slang for friends, giving you the tools to chat with locals and truly connect.
Here are 5 common terms for friends in Jamaican Patois:
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- “ Bredren „
- English Translation: Friend
- Definition A term used to refer to a close friend or companion, emphasizing a strong bond and camaraderie
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi and mi bredren guh way back, wi always hav each adda back
(English) Me and my friend go way back, we always have each other's back
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- “ Sistren „
- English Translation: Sister
- Definition A term used to refer to a female member of a community, emphasizing the sisterhood, unity, and support among women
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Di sistren come together fi uplift and empower one another
(English) The sistren come together to uplift and empower one another
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- “ Mi G „
- English Translation: My General
- Definition Slang term use to refer to a respected person
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi G, wah yuh waah?
(English) My General, what do you want?
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- “ Bredda „
- English Translation: Brother
- Definition Brother; close friend or family.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Bredda, a weh yu a go?
(English) Brother, where are you going?
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- “ Parri „
- English Translation: Friend
- Definition Slang expression for addressing a close friend
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Mi and mi parri ago a club tonite
(English) Me and my friend are going to the club tonight
