6 Torontonian Slang Words From The Jamaican Vocabulary And What They Really Mean
Patois is a dialect spoken by Jamaicans. Many phrases and words have been appropriated by our very own Torontionians and are often used in everyday conversations. Here are some Torontonian slangs and what they really mean in Patois.
1. Man Dem
Jamaicans use the word 'Dem' as a way to pluralize any noun. Torontonians on the other hand have caught on with this short form of pluralization by saying things like "man dem". For instance when used in a sentence.
Jamaican- "De man dem rude eehh?"
English- "Those men are so rude. Am I right?"
Torontonian- "Yo I'm about to link up with the man dem."
English- " Hey. I'm just going to hang out with my male friends right now."
2. Real Talk
Basically means that whatever is being said is the truth. No lies being told here. This is a real and truthful conversation. Or in Torontontian slang, it could also be a way to emphasize your point.
Jamaican- " Yow real talk bredrin. She did ah tell lie."
English- "It's true. She was lying"
Torontonian- "You need to cop that new game bro. Real talk, it's boss"
English- "You should get the game that just came out. I am telling you. It's good."
3. Gwan
A medley of the two words 'go' and 'on' merged into one rambunctious word. It is a Jamaican's way of greeting another human being. Jamaicans really love to shorten words by creating new ones. By merging two words you can cut back on the length of a sentence. By saying, "Whata gwan?" you really mean "What is going on?" Or it's just a long way to say "hi". To respond, you can say "everything is cris", which simply means you are doing well. Torontonians on the other hand use this word as a sentiment of approval, while also using it to greet others.
Jamaican- "Yow. Wah gwan? Everyting cris?"
English- "Hey! How are you? Is everything going well?"
Torontonian- " Eyyy. This song can gwan still, ahlie?"
English- " Wow. This song is really good. Am I right?"
4. Tingz
The word 'tingz' is probably one of the most versatile in the Jamaican vocabulary. Almost anything can be classified as a 'ting'. "Bring mi di tingz" "Whe de tingz de?" or simply "How are tingz?" As stated before, Jamaicans just really love to shorten their words, so 'tingz' is really just 'things' without the 'h'.
Jamaican- "Bare tingz a gwan tonight."
English- "There are a lot of things happening tonight"
Torontonian- "So I was chilling wit my ting the other day yo. She's a proper ting still eh?"
English- "I was hanging out with my girl the other day. She's really great."
5. Dun Know
A term of agreement or declaration of knowledge in Torontonian terms. Jamaicans say "you dun know" to replace words like "I know/ you know", "realize" or "of course".
Jamaican- "Yu dun know mi a go eat nuff food caus mi ungri"
English- "You know. I am about to eat a lot because I am so hungry"
Torontonian- "You dun know these are a decent pair of shoes still eh?"
English- "Hey, these are a really great pair of shoes. Do you think so?"
6. Ahlie
Another term of agreement for Torontonians. On the other hand, this word is more of an expression of disbelief for Jamaicans.
Jamaicans- "Shi a really go wit him? Ahlie!"
English- "Is she really dating him? You're lying!"
Torontonian- Friend:"Yo this food is blessed" You: "Ahlie?!"
English- Friend: "This food is so good." You: "I know right?!"
