hed
The English word "head" is translated into Jamaican as hed.
The primary way to refer to the part of the body is using hed. You may also encounter the phrase Cabbage head, which is a way to describe someone who is perceived as foolish or simple-minded.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Which one should you use?
Dome is an informal alternative used to refer to the head.
Did you know?
- In Jamaica, the phrase head can be used as a verb meaning to lead a group or to be at the front of a procession.
- The spelling hed reflects the phonological shift in Jamaican Patois where certain English vowel sounds are simplified or altered to match the local accent.
- Depending on the speaker's social group, using dome instead of hed can signal a desire to sound more 'modern' or 'street'.
Examples in context
- buss mi domehit my head
- mi head hotmy head is hot
- Watch out, mek yuh not hit yuh hed.Watch out, don't hit your head.
- Him have a big hed, dat.He has a big head, that guy.
Example conversation
Ricardo and Shanti are walking through a crowded market.
- RicardoShanti, watch yuh hed inna di crowd.Shanti, watch your head in the crowd.
- ShantiMi a try, but di space small.I am trying, but the space is small.
- RicardoYuh ok? Yuh nuh hurt yuh hed?Are you okay? You didn't hurt your head?
- ShantiNo, mi deh alright.No, I am alright.
