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Dialect for Beginners (Common phrases within Grenada)

Most dialect originates from Creole languages such as Patois (Pah-twah). Patois is rarely spoken within Grenada anymore. Only the older generations know the language, therefore it is sadly disappearing.

• ay yai yai: I don't believe it!
• bacchanal: party
• back back: move back a little (as in backing up a car or something)
• bamsie/bam bam: rear end
• back squeeze: being stingy
• liming: hanging out
• bad eye: evil glare
• sweet eye: wink
• bazodee: lovestruck
• bounce: bump (A van bounced a nearby car.)
• steuups: a sort of sound you make when you're frustrated
• cock up the foot: relax
• I ain't making no joke: I'm serious.
• fet: party
• fight up: struggling
• ley we go: let's go
• monkey say cool breeze: chill out
• I selling it as I buy it: telling it like I heard it
• vex: upset
• fret: bother (Don't fret me.)
• you're too lie: you're joking
• the rain set up: it's getting ready to rain
• the bush have ears: be careful what you say, someone might overhear
• mm hmm crapo smoke ya pipe: Oooh, you're in a lot of trouble!
• that beat all cockfight: very interesting
• who have cocoa in the sun have to look for rain: if you're living with a secret, it will sooner or later get exposed.
• mama gai: fooling (Don't mama gai me.)
• dog don't make cat: like father like son etc.
• every bread have its cheese: (essentially) even if you're ugly, there's someone out there for everyone.
• just now: this is my favorite and it embodies Grenadian culture. Just now could me right this minute, in 10 minutes, or 10 hours. You never know, and therefore cannot get upset when someone says it. After all, they never did give you an exact timeframe!