July

26

Are you ready for Jamaica?

| Undedr: Welcome

Wha Gwaan! We recently photographed a wedding at Round Hill for Brigette and Rocco Addorisio, and I have to tell you Brigette had the cutest idea and I told her I just had to share.  She had the usual details which included programs, place cards etc, but one thing I absolutely loved is she had a Brochure welcoming her guest to Jamaica.  In this Brochure she had helpful hints and as you all know Jamaica is an English speaking country, however they do “Chat Patois”. If you noticed our Blog is rightfully titled “Chat Bout” which is Patois for Talk about.  If you decide to use this idea, here are a few fun words you can put in your brochure and also try on the locals. Trust me they will get a kick out of it. 

Badness - Hooligan behaviour, violence for its own sake 
Bredren- Brother/Friend
Cha/Chu- A disdainful expletive; same as kissing your teeth which is done a lot 
Cuyah- look at this
Dawta- Daughter, a girl, woman
Duppy- Ghost
Facety- rude, out of order, cheeky
Mi Rhaatid- Expression of surprise
Ganja- Herb, grass, weed
Irie- Cool, good, excellent
Jah- God
Jook- To prick, stab, poke
Kiss me Neck- Expression of surprise
Ku Deh- Look there
Nyam-To eat
Peeny Wally- Firefly
Pickney- Child
Uno/Unu- You
My Favorite is Soon Cum-(could be 5 minutes or next to never)
I can remember when I first came to Jamaica I had asked the neighbor hood Gardner if he could cut my grass.  He assured me that he could and I was happy for my yard was in bad need of a trim.  He told me “Soon Cum” and he came back 3 weeks later ready to cut my yard.  Life in the left lane is a trip, but I would not have it any other way.  So when you come to Jamaica and you say Hello to a Local, go ahead and add “Whaa Gwaan”- (What’s going on), and they will probably repy “Mi Deh yah” -(I’m here/which is our way of saying I’m OK).
We are looking forward to seeing you all soon in Jamaica “Likkle More” 
Paula