pretty
The English word "pretty" translates to pretty in Jamaican.
In Jamaican, pretty is an adjective used to describe someone as pleasant or attractive, particularly when referring to women and children.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Did you know?
- An English speaker might be confused if they hear 'pretty' used to describe an action or a situation as being 'fine' or 'correct' in certain local contexts.
- While 'pretty' can describe looks, a Jamaican might say a person is 'pretty up' to mean they have dressed up or made an effort to look nice for an occasion.
- In some social settings, calling a man 'pretty' can be perceived differently than calling a woman 'pretty', as the term is heavily gendered towards femininity in traditional Jamaican usage.
Examples in context
- Mi cute an' mi know it!I am cute and I know it!
- Yuh cute like a likkle teddy bear!You are as cute as a little teddy bear!
- Yuh pretty like di sunset pon di beach!You are as pretty as the sunset on the beach!
- She pretty, yuh see?She is pretty, you know?
- Di little girl pretty.The little girl is pretty.
- Yuh look pretty today.You look pretty today.
Example conversation
Damion compliments Shanti on her new outfit.
- ShantiWah yuh think bout mi clothes?What do you think about my clothes?
- DamionYuh look real pretty today, Shanti.You look really pretty today, Shanti.
- ShantiTanks, Damion. Mi love it too.Thanks, Damion. I love it too.
- DamionIt suit yuh well.It suits you well.
