chink
The English phrase 'bedbugs' is translated into Jamaican as chink.
The word chink refers to the small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
Did you know?
- Be careful with pronunciation, as chink in Jamaican Patois is a specific noun for the insect. In other English-speaking contexts, the word can carry very different, offensive connotations.
Examples in context
- Di chink dem a bite mi.The bedbugs are biting me.
- Mi see chink inna di mattress.I saw bedbugs in the mattress.
- Watch out, di room full a chink.Watch out, the room is full of bedbugs.
Example conversation
Andre and Shanti are discussing a hotel room they just entered.
- AndreShanti, look pan di sheet! A chink dat?Shanti, look at the sheet! Are those bedbugs?
- ShantiYes, it look like chink. We can't stay here.Yes, it looks like bedbugs. We can't stay here.
- AndreMi a go tell di manager right now.I am going to tell the manager right now.
- ShantiHurry up, cause mi no want dem chink bite mi.Hurry up, because I don't want those bedbugs to bite me.
