babylon
The English phrase "police" is translated into Jamaican as babylon.
babylon is a slang term used to refer to the local or general law enforcement agency or the police force.
Meaning: local or general law enforcement agency (noun)
Which one should you use?
While babylon is a slang term, you may also encounter the informal phrase Di Police or the formal term The Constabulary.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
babylon is a slang term and is considered informal or even derogatory. For a more formal context, use The Constabulary, whereas Di Police is an informal way to refer to the police in Jamaican Patois.
When do people say it?
In Jamaican Patois, babylon carries a connotation of an oppressive or corrupt establishment. It is often used within Rastafarian culture to refer to the police or the state.
Did you know?
- The term babylon originates from the biblical city of Babylon, which was seen as a symbol of exile, captivity, and worldly corruption.
- While babylon is a common slang term, saying it to an officer directly could be perceived as a heavy provocation rather than simple informal speech.
- Depending on the speaker's tone, babylon can function as a warning or a way to signal that authority is nearby.
Examples in context
- Mi si di police dung di roadI saw the police down the road.
- Babylon deh round di corner.The police are around the corner.
- Watch out, Babylon a come.Watch out, the police are coming.
- Mi no want no trouble wid Babylon.I don't want any trouble with the police.
Example conversation
Shanti and Ricardo are walking down a busy street.
- ShantiRicardo, look! Babylon deh over deh.Ricardo, look! The police are over there.
- RicardoYeah, mi see dem. Why dem deh here?Yeah, I see them. Why are they here?
- ShantiMi no know, but let's just keep moving.I don't know, but let's just keep moving.
- RicardoTrue, mi no want no problem wid Babylon today.True, I don't want any problems with the police today.
