nutten nuh deh
The Jamaican phrase for "not much" is nutten nuh deh.
nutten nuh deh is a standard response used to indicate that there is no significant news, activity or anything interesting happening to report.
Which one should you use?
The informal phrase Nutten Nuh Gwaan can also be used to mean "nothing is happening".
Did you know?
- In many Jamaican social settings, responding with 'nutten nuh deh' is a way to maintain 'coolness' by signaling that one is not easily bothered by drama or excessive activity.
- Depending on the tone, saying nutten in response to a question can be perceived as dismissive or 'stush' if the speaker intentionally avoids a longer explanation.
- Saying nutten nuh deh can sometimes be a way to subtly shut down a conversation if the speaker does not wish to share details about their life.
Examples in context
- Wah gwan? Nutten nuh deh.What's up? Not much is happening.
Example conversation
Two friends meeting on a street corner.
- ShantiYo Kevon, wah gwan?Yo Kevon, what's up?
- KevonNutten nuh deh, man.Not much is happening, man.
- ShantiYuh sure nutten nuh deh a yuh neighborhood?Are you sure nothing is going on in your neighborhood?
- KevonYeah, nutten nuh deh.Yeah, nothing much is happening.
