waif
The Jamaican word for wife is waif.
waif is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term Spouse is used in specific contexts.
Did you know?
- In Jamaican Patois, the word waif sounds very similar to the English word 'waif', which refers to a homeless child, but they have completely different meanings.
- The use of waif instead of 'wife' can signal a speaker's pride in their local heritage and a deliberate choice to move away from 'Standard Jamaican English'.
- Because Patois is a creole language, the way waif is pronounced may lean more heavily on West African rhythmic patterns than on the original English pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Mi love yuh, wifie!I love you, wife!
Example conversation
Damion is introducing Latoya to a friend.
- DamionMeet mi waif, Latoya.Meet my wife, Latoya.
- LatoyaNice fi meet yuh, Damion.Nice to meet you, Damion.
- DamionShe a di best waif inna di world.She is the best wife in the world.
- LatoyaYuh too sweet, Damion!You are too sweet, Damion!
