gyal
The English word girl is translated into Jamaican as gyal.
In Jamaican Patois, gyal is used to refer to a girl or a young woman. It is also frequently used as a term of endearment or as a casual way to address a female friend, functioning similarly to English slang like 'girl' or 'gal'.
Meaning: young female person (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The spelling gyal is the colloquial and phonetic representation used in Jamaican Patois, while the standard English spelling is 'girl'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, such as Kingston, the form gyal may be favored over gal to refer to a girl or young woman.
Did you know?
- The term gyal can be used ironically between two men as a way of teasing or questioning another man's masculinity.
- The term bad gyal is often a compliment, describing a woman who is confident, independent and assertive.
- The term is often used in the phrase 'gyal dem' to refer to a group of girls or women, where 'dem' acts as a plural marker.
Examples in context
- She a one sweet likkle pickney.She's a sweet little girl.
- She a strong gal.She's a strong girl.
- Mi see one pretty gal a di market.I saw a beautiful girl at the market.
- She a one nice gyal.She's a fine gyal.
- Watch dat pretty gyal deh.Look at that pretty girl.
- Di gyal a run de yard.The girl is running around the yard.
- Dat gyal too sweet.That girl is very sweet.
- Yuh see di gyal over deh?Do you see the girl over there?
Example conversation
Ricardo and Shanti are talking in a small village.
- RicardoShanti, yuh see di gyal a walk by?Shanti, do you see the girl walking by?
- ShantiYeah, di gyal look kind.Yeah, the girl looks kind.
- RicardoShe a real good gyal.She is a really good girl.
- ShantiMi know, Ricardo.I know, Ricardo.
