nuttin much
In Jamaican, the English phrase 'nothing much' is expressed as nuttin much.
A casual response to a greeting used to say that nothing interesting is happening.
Which one should you use?
Other informal variations include Nut'n nuh gwaan to say nothing's going on or nothing much is happening, Nut'n really to mean nothing really or not much is happening and Nut'n much a gwan to express that nothing much is happening.
Did you know?
- The phrase nuttin much is often part of a call-and-response pattern where the greeting Wah gwan? is asked and answered. In some social circles, both people may say Wah gwan? and nuttin much in rapid succession as a rhythmic ritual rather than a literal exchange of information.
- In Jamaican culture, answering nuttin much to a greeting is often a social signal of modesty and contentment. Bragging about exciting events immediately after a greeting can sometimes be seen as boastful or socially disruptive.
- Depending on the tone, nuttin much can be used ironically. If said with a specific inflection while something chaotic is clearly happening in the background, it becomes a form of dry, deadpan humor common in Jamaican speech.
Examples in context
- Nuttin much a gwaan.Nothing much is happening.
- Mi deh yah, nuttin much.I'm just here, nothing much.
Example conversation
Andre and Shanti meet on a street corner.
- AndreWah gwaan, Shanti?What's up, Shanti?
- ShantiNuttin much, Andre. Weh yuh deh pon?Nothing much, Andre. What are you up to?
- AndreMi jus' a walk, nuttin much.I'm just walking, nothing much.
- ShantiAlright den, mek we chat later.Alright then, let's chat later.
