One of the greatest blessings of being an Islander is the fact that we have dialects that are unique and very interesting to say the least. We take pride in our dialect and we are not afraid to display it wherever we go. Even though this is how we speak, I have found out that a lot of folks especially from Non Caribbean countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and others countries, tend to like the sound of our Caribbean dialect. A lot of times when we Islanders do speak our native dialect, some of them would try to figure out what we are saying or may ask the question about the meaning of a particular word, because it sounds kind of jokey or funny to them.

In response to the many inquiries I’ve personally received, I’ve decided to compile a list of words that are used in various Islands. The first Island we will be focusing on is my native country, Trinidad and Tobago. We are often called by the name Trini’s as well as Tricky-dadians, though we are not tricky by any means. It is just a nickname given to our people by those who may perceive us this way. Our dialect is oftentimes considered a mixture of African, French, Spanish, Creole, and Hindi, however we do speak pure English but with a twang and a twist. One more thing I may add is that we Trini’s may sound like we are singing when we speak.

Here are some of the words that we use in our dialect.

Bacchanal - Big Party, noise do, confusion, heavy quarreling, good party

Back Back - Reverse in a car, to change one's mind

Back Chat - Argumentative, insolent response

Bah-John (Badjohn)- A Bully

Bath Suit - Swim Suit

Bawlin' - To be broke, without financial means

Biscuit - Cookie

Bobolee- A person who is always taken advatage of

Boldface-too demanding

Bamsee-a person’s behind

Chips - French Fries

College - Secondary School

Commesse- Confusion, Controversy

Cunumunu- A stupid, foolish person

Cutters - Finger food, snack, hors d'ouveres

Deputy - Mistress, other woman

Fete – Party, a festive celebration or entertainment

Fast and out yuh place-When someone crosses the line with you

Horn- To cheat on a boyfriend of girlfriend
Jamet- a prostitute
Jus' Now - Wait a minute, in a little while

Lime, Limin', or bust ah lime - hanging out, loafing, having fun i.e. let's go down to the corner and lime
Maco- someone who minds other people's business

Mah-kocious (Macocious) A person who is nosy, a maco.

Makin style - Showing off
Mamaguy - To put someone on, to make fun of, to tease
Mamapoule- a derogatory term for a husband who is controlled by his wife

Mas - Masquerade
Mincemeat - Hamburger
Now Fuh Now - Instantly, while you wait
Obzokee- awkward, out of place, misshapen
Ol Talk - Chit-Chat, idle chatter, nonsense
Saga Boy- a male who is boastful of his physical attributes
Sampat- an unfair attack, ambush
Screw Pan- an angry look on a persons face; usually makes them look humorously ugly
Small Room - Rest room
Soucouyant- Usually used in ghost stories, an old woman who turns herself into a ball of fire and suck's people's blood

Sweet too Bad - when someone is real fine or looks good

Sweeties Candies

Show off as in "Eh-eh, but I find she only makin' style on people

Tabanca- The feeling of hurt when a close relationship ends
Toutoulbay- a gullible person
Trini Terrier - Mongrel, mixed breed of dog
Vex - angry, cross or upset
Yampee- nastyness found in the corner of the eye after a long night's sleep
Wee - Ours