bredda
The English phrase 'bro' can be translated into Jamaican as bredda.
bredda is used to refer to a male comrade, a friend or someone who shares one's ideals. While it can refer to a biological brother, it is most commonly used to describe a close male friend.
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
bredda is a phonetic spelling of the English word 'brother'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bredda is an informal term of endearment or a way to show familiarity between males.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, man is used informally to address someone as 'bro'.
Did you know?
- While bredda is used for men, the term sistren is the equivalent counterpart for female friends and comrades.
- If you are addressing a group of males, you might not say 'bros', but instead use 'bredda dem' to pluralise the sentiment.
- In certain musical genres like Reggae, the concept of a 'bredda' is often elevated to a sacred level of brotherhood within the Rastafarian movement.
Examples in context
- Him a mi bredda.He is my brother/friend.
- Wah gwan, bredda?What's up, bro?
- Mi bredda deh pan di street.My friend is on the street.
Example conversation
Latoya meets her friend Andre on the street.
- LatoyaAndre, wah gwan bredda!Andre, what's up bro!
- AndreEverything good, Latoya.Everything is good, Latoya.
- LatoyaYou coming to the party later?Are you coming to the party later?
- AndreYeah, I will be there.Yeah, I will be there.
