lef
The English phrase 'leave' is translated into Jamaican as lef.
lef is an intransitive verb used to indicate the act of departing. In certain slang contexts, the word Cut is used to command someone to leave or to tell them to 'get lost' in a curt manner.
Meaning: to depart (intransitive) (verb)
Did you know?
- While lef means to depart, the phrase lef it is commonly used as a command to stop doing something or to let a situation be.
- The term cut as a way to leave is shared with some African American Vernacular English (AAVE) expressions, reflecting the historical exchange between the Caribbean and the US.
- In some Jamaican contexts, lef is used in the phrase lef me alone, which serves as a strong boundary-setting expression meaning 'stop bothering me'.
Examples in context
- Gweh!Go away!
- Cut!Leave! Get lost!
- When yuh a lef?When are you leaving?
- Dem lef di house early.They left the house early.
Example conversation
Damion and Latoya are at a party.
- DamionYou ready fi go?Are you ready to go?
- LatoyaYeah, mi ready. We lef now?Yes, I am. Do we leave now?
- DamionYeah, mek we lef before traffic start.Yes, let's leave before traffic starts.
- LatoyaAlright, let's go.Alright, let's go.
