weh
The English phrase "go away" is translated into Jamaican as weh.
weh is used as a verb to express the command or desire for someone to depart or leave a place.
Meaning: to depart or leave a place (verb)
Did you know?
- The word weh functions as a linguistic chameleon, serving as a command to depart, a question meaning 'where', or a question meaning 'what' depending entirely on the speaker's tone.
- Using weh as a command to an elder is considered a much more severe breach of social etiquette than using the English 'go away' would be in many Western cultures.
- While it translates to 'go away', saying weh to a friend during a joke often functions as an expression of disbelief, similar to 'no way'.
Examples in context
- Mi deh a go weh.I am going away.
- Dem deh a go weh now.They are leaving now.
Example conversation
Kevon is bothering Tanesha while she studies.
- KevonLook at dis funny picture, Tanesha.Look at this funny picture, Tanesha.
- TaneshaKevon, stop it and guh weh!Kevon, stop it and go away!
- KevonMi just a joke wid yuh.I'm just joking with you.
- TaneshaMi busy, so please guh weh now.I'm busy, so please go away now.
