Let's Talk Jerk - Caribbean Translator
JerkFest has brought authentic Caribbean music, arts, food, and culture to Toronto for nearly two decades. It is a great way for everyone to embrace and experience Caribbean culture, traditions, and cuisine. Walking around JerkFest at Centennial park can bring back ol’ time feelings or memories of actually being in the Caribbean. Imagine the sun beaming on you, with the sounds of reggae and soca music blasting combined with delicious jerk cuisine. You’re surrounded by folks having a good time, and of course, all of the patois echoing throughout the park - gives off major island vibes. Whether you're walking pon di road in the Caribbean or you're at JerkFest Toronto, you're bound to hear some of the phrases below:
1. ‘Big chune’
Translation: This refers to a good or hit song playing.
In a sentence you could say: Mi luv di chune Summertime weh Vybz Kartel sing, a big chune dat.
2. ‘Shell dun/shell dung’
Translation: This refers to doing something fantastic, or a good job.
In a sentence you could say: Di JerkFest DJ shell dun di place.
3.‘Weh Yuh Ah Seh’
Translation: This refers to the phrase “What are you saying?” or “How are you doing?”
In a sentence you could say: Weh yuh a seh? Mi deh try call yuh to come to JerkFest today.
4.‘Mi Soon Come’
Translation: This refers to someone telling you that they are on their way and will be arriving soon. (Don’t take this phrase literally, because ‘Mi soon come’ can mean anything from 10 minutes to five hours away).
In a sentence you could say: Mi soon come, I’m five minutes from Centennial Park.
5. ‘Inna di morrows’
Translation: This refers to someone saying, “see you later” and literally translates to “in the tomorrows.” Which would be used when saying goodbye.
In a sentence you could say: Mi see yuh inna di morrows for JerkFest day 2.
6.‘Big up’
Translation: This refers to someone doing a good job.
In a sentence you could say: Big up all the artists performing at JerkFest 2021!
7. ‘Mi Nuh Biznizz’
Translation: This refers to the phrase ‘I Don’t Care.’
In a sentence you could say: Mi nuh biznizz if she wants five pieces of jerk chicken.
8. ‘Bus a wine’
Translation: This refers to a form of dancing normally done by women, which involves moving their waist and hips - mostly performed to reggae, soca or calypso music.
In a sentence you could say: Every gyal a bruk out and bus a wine.
9. Nyam
Translation: This refers to eating eagerly or greedily.
In a sentence you could say: Him ah nyam all di jerk chicken.
10. Fawad
Translation: This is used to tell someone to come or to go somewhere.
In a sentence you could say: Fawad to the JerkFest livestream on August 6 to 8, 2021.
