Greetings Friend,
In this article, I want to talk about one of the most common greetings we use in Jamaica, "Wah gwaan".
Now, if you're from Jamaica or have spent any time around Jamaican communities, you're probably already familiar with this expression. But for those who aren't,
"Wah gwaan" is a Jamaican Patois phrase that simply means "What's going on?" or "What's up?" in English.
It's a greeting that's used by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it's a way of showing interest in each other and catching up on what's going on in each other's lives. Whether it's a friend you haven't seen in a while, or a casual conversation with someone you just met, "Wah gwaan" is a friendly and informal way to connect.
Breakdown of "Wah Gwaan"
The phrase "Wah Gwaan" consist of two Jamaican patois words, "wah" and "gwaan". The English translations are listed below.
| Jamaican Patois | Standard English |
|---|---|
| Wah | What |
| Gwaan | Go on |
And you should know, "Wah gwaan" is not just limited to Jamaica. It's a phrase that's used all over the world, especially in Caribbean communities. It's even found its way into popular culture, with references in music, movies, and TV shows.
- Example usage
-
Patois: Wah gwaan wid yuh?
English: What's going on with you? -
Patois: Him tell yuh wah gwaan?
English: Did he tell you what's going on?
In a way, "Wah gwaan" has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and all that it represents - the vibrant music, the delicious food, and the infectious energy of the people. It's a small expression that speaks volumes about the warmth and friendliness of the Jamaican people.
Different variations of "Wah Gwaan"
You may come across multiple ways of saying wah gwaan but they all have the same meaning, some examples are:
- Wah deh gwaan
- Wah a gwaan
- What a gwaan
So the next time you hear someone say "Wah gwaan", now you know what it means and why it's such an important part of Jamaican culture. Don't be afraid to use it yourself and spread the love of this awesome culture!
