Ello
/ˈ(h)ɛloː/
The English phrase "hi" is translated into Jamaican as Ello.
Ello is a friendly, informal greeting. In more colloquial or informal settings, speakers might also use phrases derived from English questions, such as the colloquial Waagwan (derived from "What's going on?") or the informal Wahappen (derived from "What's happening?" or "What's up?").
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈ(h)ɛloː/
Did you know?
- In some Jamaican circles, responding to a greeting with everything criss means that everything is 'cool' or 'all right'.
- While Ello is a friendly greeting, in many Jamaican communities, a simple nod of the head is often preferred over verbalizing a full 'hello' when passing strangers.
- The greeting Waagwan is often met not with a 'hello' but with a response that describes one's current state of being, such as 'everything criss' or 'everything blessed'.
Examples in context
- Ello, how it a go?Hi, how is it going?
- Ello, everything good with yuh?Hi, is everything good with you?
- Ello, wah gwan?Hi, what's up?
Example conversation
Shanice and Damion pass each other on a street in Kingston.
- ShaniceEllo, Damion!Hi, Damion!
- DamionEllo, Shanice. How yuh deh?Hi, Shanice. How are you?
- ShaniceMi deh yah, yuh know.I'm doing alright, you know.
- DamionCool, mi a see yuh later.Cool, I'll see you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry ello.
