graval
The Jamaican word for trash is graval.
graval refers to things that are meant to be discarded. It is worth noting that the English word Garbage can also be used in Jamaican Patois to mean trash.
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
Did you know?
- If you use the word 'graval' to describe a pile of waste, a Jamaican might actually think you are talking about a pile of stones or construction debris.
- The term 'graval' is a phonetic adaptation of the English 'gravel', showing how English words are reshaped by Jamaican phonology.
- While 'graval' exists, a local speaker is much more likely to use the British English term 'rubbish' than the Americanism 'trash' to describe waste.
Examples in context
- Mi cyaa believe di amount a rubbish yuh ave!I can't believe the amount of trash you have!
- Dem need fi empty di garbage heap!They need to empty the garbage heap!
- Di junk pile deh too big!The trash pile is too big!
Example conversation
Shanti and Kevon are cleaning the kitchen.
- ShantiKevon, please empty de graval.Kevon, please empty the trash.
- KevonMi a go do it now.I am going to do it now.
- ShantiMake sure you tie de bag.Make sure you tie the bag.
- KevonYeah, de graval gone already.Yeah, the trash is gone already.
