respect
The English phrase respect translates to respect in Jamaican.
The noun respect refers to admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit. In addition to the noun, several other expressions are used to convey respect or well-wishes in Jamaican social interactions.
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
When do people say it?
Jamaican culture features several specific phrases for greeting, respect and familiarity. To show respect and familiarity toward friends or acquaintances, one might use Mi bredda (my brother) or Mi sista (my sister). The phrase Bless up is commonly used as a form of greeting or farewell in Jamaican culture. To show respect or give recognition to someone informally, you can say Big up or simply Respect.
Did you know?
- When using Respect in a Rastafarian context, it is not just a social courtesy but a recognition of the 'I and I' philosophy, acknowledging the presence of the divine in both the speaker and the listener.
- In Jamaica, the phrase Respect is often accompanied by a subtle chin flick or a small nod of the head to seal the social acknowledgment.
- While Respect functions as a verbal handshake, it can also be used as a rhythmic call-and-response in dancehall music to acknowledge a performer's skill or presence.
Examples in context
- Mi have a lot a respect fi di coach.I have a lot of respect for the coach.
- Di way him work, him deserve respect.The way he works, he deserves respect.
- Respect unu must show di elders.You all must show respect to the elders.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a local community leader.
- LatoyaDi woman dem haffi show respect fi di leader.The women have to show respect to the leader.
- KevonYeah, Latoya, she a real great person.Yeah, Latoya, she is a truly great person.
- LatoyaTrue, Kevon, everybody love how she behave.True, Kevon, everyone loves how she behaves.
- KevonShe carry herself wid pure respect.She carries herself with pure respect.
