10 Jamaican Slang Words You Need to Learn—Patois Will Change How You Speak Forever! - IQnection

Understanding the Context

1. Lekker

Originally meaning “beautiful” or “nice,” lekker has evolved to express deep appreciation—like “that’s awesome!” or “so good.” Use it to compliment a vibe, outfit, or attitude with genuine warmth.
Example:
“Dat lente jacket is lekker!” (That lente jacket is awesome!)

2. Chap & Chick

Simple yet powerful, chap means “man” or “friend,” used casually and fondly across Jamaica. Chick refers to a young woman or girl, often with affection.
Use it to:
“Come with dem chap, chick—nuff good times ahead.”

Key Insights

3. Bruktime

A laid-back state of “relaxation”—literally “brain time.” It’s about giving your mind a break and enjoying slow, peaceful moments.
Fun fact: Young Jamaicans often say “Let’s bruktime later” to shift focus from rush to calm.

4. Fed up

While similar to Standard English, in Jamaican Patois, fed up emphasizes deep irritation or exhaustion. It carries a cultural edge—perfect for expressing strong emotions.
Example:
“I’m fed up with all de delays.” (I’m fed up with all these delays.)

Final Thoughts

5. Wan carry on

Meaning “to keep going” or “don’t give up,” this is a powerful motivational phrase. It’s frequently used in dancehall lyrics to inspire resilience.
Use it to energize friends:
“Wan carry on—ain’t no obstacle to break.”

6. Pickney

Not to be confused with “child”—in Patois, pickney is a delightful term for a young person, often used warmly and with playfulness.
Example:
“Hey pickney, dat reggae beat hit hard!”

7. Run it out

Meaning “to show it off” or “do it fully,” this Patois phrase adds flair when talking about music, style, or talent.
Show off your style?
“He run it out on stage last night—words cannot describe.”