chat
In Jamaican, the English phrase "talk" is expressed as chat.
The word chat is used to describe the act of communicating by speech.
Meaning: to communicate by speech (verb)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the term Reason when someone is referring to the act of talking, discussing or reasoning with someone.
Did you know?
- If someone is told to stop chat, it is not a request for silence in a library but a sharp command to stop lying or talking nonsense.
- In Jamaican Patois, adding loud to the act of talking, as in chat loud, can imply someone is being boastful or arrogant rather than just increasing their volume.
- The term 'chat' can be used to describe the way music or rhythm is being expressed, not just spoken words.
Examples in context
- We deh pon some deep convosWe are engaged in deep conversations.
- Mi waan likl chit chatI want a little chit chat
- Dem deh juss a par an chat breezeThey are just hanging out and chatting casually.
- Di man a pass tru, mi juss hail im an mek we touch a subjectThe man is passing by, I just greeted him and we started talking about something.
- Mi waan chat wid yuh.I want to chat with you.
- Dem jus chat bout nuhting.They are just chatting about nothing.
Example conversation
Shanti and Kevon meet at the market.
- ShantiKevon, you have time chat?Kevon, do you have time to talk?
- KevonYeah, wah you want chat bout?Yeah, what do you want to talk about?
- ShantiMi want chat bout de party.I want to talk about the party.
- KevonAlright, let we chat now.Alright, let's talk now.
