sweetie
The Jamaican word for sweetheart is sweetie.
This term refers to a person who is very much liked or loved by someone. It is similar to the English terms darling or cutie.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Jamaica, such as Kingston, Mi Darlin' is a popular informal way to say sweetheart, which is equivalent to "my darling" in English.
Did you know?
- If you are in a crowded market in Jamaica, you might hear a vendor call you sweetie or darling to build rapport, rather than to express actual affection.
- The term sweetie can sometimes be used with a touch of sarcasm or condescension if someone is being overly precious or acting childishly in a social setting.
- In Jamaican Patois, the word sweetie is an unadapted borrowing, meaning it was adopted from English without any change to its spelling or pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Yuh a mi sweetie.You are my sweetheart.
- Mi sweetie, how yuh stay?My sweetheart, how are you?
- Listen mi, sweetie.Listen to me, sweetheart.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sweetie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
