duppy
/ˈdʌpɪ/
The Jamaican word for ghost is duppy.
duppy is the common term used to describe ghosts or spirits in Jamaican folklore. While it refers to a spirit appearing after death, a duppy is often perceived as a more mischievous or malevolent entity than a standard Western ghost.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Jamaican Patois, you may also encounter the informal term jumbie to refer to a ghost or a supernatural being.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In rural parts of Jamaica, you may encounter specific terms for certain malevolent spirits, such as rolling calf or dandy shandy.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdʌpɪ/
When do people say it?
The term rolling calf specifically refers to a ghostly calf with flaming red eyes that is said to terrorize travelers.
Did you know?
- The word duppy may be related to the Akan word adɔpe, suggesting the term traveled from West Africa to the Caribbean during the Atlantic slave trade.
- In Jamaican folklore, a duppy is believed to be unable to cross running water, so streams and rivers are often seen as natural barriers that keep these spirits away.
- Traditional Jamaican beliefs suggest that a duppy can be warded off by placing a piece of coconut husk or salt near the entrance of a home.
Examples in context
- Mi neva fraid a nuh duppyI'm not afraid of any ghosts
- Mi granny always seh she feel a jumbie presenceMy granny always says she feels the presence of a ghost
- Yu haffi b'lieve inna duppy if yu wah experience one.You have to believe in ghosts if you want to experience one.
- Mi see a duppy inna de dark.I saw a ghost in the dark.
- Dem say de house deh full a duppy.They say that house is full of ghosts.
Example conversation
Shanice and Damion are walking past an old building.
- ShaniceDamion, mi feel like a duppy deh here.Damion, I feel like a ghost is here.
- DamionYuh just a fret, nothing deh deh.You are just worrying, nothing is there.
- ShaniceNo, mi hear something a call mi name.No, I hear something calling my name.
- DamionLet we just leave before a duppy find we.Let us just leave before a ghost finds us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries duppy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duppy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
