33 words and counting — one every day from the yard.
Sep 17, 2026LikkleLittle, small, or a small amount. One of the most common Patois words, used constantly in everyday speech. Sep 16, 2026GweyGo away. A direct command to leave or dismiss someone. Sep 15, 2026PowaPower, strength, or authority. Can refer to physical strength, political power, or spiritual energy. Sep 14, 2026Mek ItTo succeed, to achieve something, or to reach a goal. 'Yuh a go mek it' means you will succeed. A me… Sep 13, 2026MawgaMeagre, skinny, or thin. Used to describe someone or something that is painfully thin. Sep 12, 2026GuhTo go. One of the most common Patois verbs, used in countless expressions and phrases. Sep 11, 2026BaxTo slap someone in the face. A box. Also used as a noun for a slap. Sep 10, 2026DundusAn expression for an albino. Someone who lacks pigmentation in their skin. Sep 09, 2026GyaadGuard, protector, or someone who watches over something. The Patois pronunciation of 'guard'. Sep 08, 2026JancroA person who takes advantage of others. Originally refers to a vulture or turkey buzzard, used figuratively fo… Sep 07, 2026Fenkeh-FenkehBland, poorly prepared, or flimsy. Describes food, things, or even an attitude with no substance, thrown toget… Sep 06, 2026BakraOverseer or superior. From the slavery term 'back raw', referring to being whipped by the slavemaste… Sep 05, 2026LabrishGossip, idle chatter, or frivolous talk. The kind of conversation that carries no substance but spreads quickl… Sep 04, 2026Kiss TeetTo suck one's teeth in annoyance or dismissal. A sharp 'steupse' sound that communicates disres… Sep 03, 2026FayvaTo resemble, to look like, or to favor someone in appearance. 'Yuh fayva yuh fadda' means you look l… Sep 02, 2026MissaMister, a respectful term of address for a man. Used formally or informally depending on context. Sep 01, 2026BunxTo bounce or bounce up, especially to music. When di riddim drop, di whole dance bunx. Made famous by DeeWunn … Aug 31, 2026YushHello, similar to the slang 'yo'. An interjection used as a greeting between friends. Aug 30, 2026Tek Weh YuhselfTo leave, to remove yourself from a situation, or to exit gracefully. Can also mean to take yourself away from… Aug 29, 2026HogIn Jamaica, 'hog' lives mostly in 'hog plum' — the sweet-tart yellow fruit of the Spondias… Aug 28, 2026Drop PanA savings scheme where money is 'dropped' into a pool and distributed in rotation. Similar to the Pa… Aug 27, 2026BaddaTo bother, to trouble, or to annoy. 'Don't badda' means don't bother or don't waste y… Aug 26, 2026KyaanCannot, can't. One of the most common Patois contractions, used to express inability or impossibility. Aug 25, 2026Yeye WaterTears. When someone cries, their eyes produce 'yeye water'. Can be from sadness, joy, or even laught… Aug 24, 2026SelassieA Rastafarian term referring to Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, regarded with divine reverence as the re… Aug 23, 2026RaatidAn exclamation of surprise, shock, or amazement. Similar to 'wow' or 'my goodness'. Can be… Aug 22, 2026GuzumbaWitchcraft or obeah. The practice of black magic or supernatural manipulation. Aug 21, 2026PocoShort for Pocomania, the Afro-Christian revival religion with African roots, known for its powerful drumming, … Aug 20, 2026DunFinished, completed, or entirely spent. Can also mean absolute excellence where no more can be added. Aug 19, 2026CooyahAn exclamation meaning 'Look at that!' or 'Check this out!' Used to draw immediate attenti… Aug 18, 2026FasNosy, meddling, or overly curious about other people's business instead of minding one's own. Aug 17, 2026MaroonsEscaped freedom fighters who established sovereign, independent communities in the hills. The blueprint for se… Aug 16, 2026SattaTo sit down, relax, meditate, or hold a peaceful state of mind away from stress and worry.