chinch
The English phrase "bed bugs" is translated into Jamaican as chinch.
The term refers to small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Did you know?
- The word chinch is a cognate with the Spanish word chinche, reflecting the historical influence of Spanish speakers in the Caribbean region.
- The fear of chinch is so ingrained in some Caribbean cultures that the word is sometimes used in hyperbolic warnings to keep children away from old or dusty furniture.
- While English uses 'bed bug' as a compound noun, Jamaican Patois often treats chinch as a category of pest that includes several different blood-sucking insects, not just the Cimex lectularius.
Examples in context
- Mi see some chinch inna di bed.I saw some bed bugs in the bed.
- Di chinch a bite mi every night.The bed bugs are biting me every night.
- Yuh haffi kill di chinch fast.You have to kill the bed bugs quickly.
Example conversation
Andre and Latoya are discussing a problem with a hotel room.
- AndreLatoya, look at dese marks pon mi arm!Latoya, look at these marks on my arm!
- LatoyaLawd, it look like chinch bite yuh.Lord, it looks like bed bugs bit you.
- AndreMi no want sleep inna dis room tonight.I don't want to sleep in this room tonight.
- LatoyaMi agree, mek we ask fi a different room.I agree, let's ask for a different room.
