Jamaican Patois Words

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Instructions: Explore the vibrant language of Jamaica with this fun quiz on Patois vocabulary!

1.
In Jamaican Patois, what does 'irie' mean?
A
Hungry
B
Good, pleasant, or alright
C
Angry
D
Tired
2.
What does 'wah gwaan' mean in Jamaican Patois?
A
Hurry up
B
Goodbye
C
What's going on? / How are you?
D
Be quiet
3.
In Jamaican Patois, what is a 'duppy'?
A
A dance style
B
A ghost or spirit
C
A small child
D
A type of fruit
4.
What does 'nyam' mean in Jamaican Patois?
A
To sleep
B
To eat
C
To run
D
To sing
5.
In Jamaica, what does 'likkle more' mean as a farewell?
A
Not enough
B
Give me more
C
See you later
D
A little bit
6.
What does the Jamaican word 'pickney' mean?
A
A coin
B
A child
C
A small garden
D
A pickle
7.
In Jamaican Patois, what does 'bumbaclaat' function as?
A
A prayer
B
A compliment
C
A strong exclamation or expletive
D
A greeting
8.
What does 'big up' mean in Jamaican slang?
A
To inflate something
B
To grow taller
C
To give respect or praise
D
To exaggerate
9.
In Jamaica, what is 'ackee'?
A
A type of dance
B
A musical instrument
C
A greeting
D
A national fruit used in cooking
10.
What does 'yard' refer to in Jamaican Patois?
A
A marketplace
B
A prison
C
A measurement
D
Home or Jamaica itself
11.
In Jamaican Patois, what does 'boonoonoonoos' mean?
A
Boring
B
Ridiculous
C
Clumsy
D
Beautiful or wonderful
12.
What does 'mi deh yah' mean in Jamaican Patois?
A
I'm here / I'm doing okay
B
I'm leaving now
C
I'm hungry
D
I disagree
13.
In Jamaica, what does a 'bashment' refer to?
A
A type of food
B
A party or dance event
C
A storm
D
A punishment
14.
What does 'craven' mean in Jamaican Patois?
A
Clever
B
Cowardly
C
Greedy
D
Brave
15.
In Jamaican Patois, what does 'soon come' mean?
A
Coming tomorrow
B
Arriving immediately
C
Never coming
D
I'll be there eventually (not necessarily soon)

Answer Key

Question 1

B. Good, pleasant, or alright

Question 2

C. What's going on? / How are you?

Question 3

B. A ghost or spirit

Question 4

B. To eat

Question 5

C. See you later

Question 6

B. A child

Question 7

C. A strong exclamation or expletive

Question 8

C. To give respect or praise

Question 9

D. A national fruit used in cooking

Question 10

D. Home or Jamaica itself

Question 11

D. Beautiful or wonderful

Question 12

A. I'm here / I'm doing okay

Question 13

B. A party or dance event

Question 14

C. Greedy

Question 15

D. I'll be there eventually (not necessarily soon)

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