wod dem
The phrase for "words" in Jamaican is wod dem.
wod dem refers to the spoken or written language used to communicate a message.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of wod (word) and dem (them), which literally translates to "word them".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural is formed by adding the particle dem after the noun wod.
Did you know?
- The phrase wod dem can be used in the context of 'reasoning', a Jamaican cultural practice of deep, philosophical conversation aimed at reaching a spiritual or social truth.
- In Jamaican Patois, the plural marker dem can also be used to emphasize that something is particularly impressive or abundant, not just to indicate plurality.
- The expression of 'words' in Jamaican often blends with West African linguistic structures, where plural markers are placed after the noun rather than before it.
Examples in context
- Mi nuh understand di wod dem.I don't understand the words.
- Write down di wod dem fi mi.Write down the words for me.
Example conversation
Andre is helping Tanesha with a text message.
- AndreWha di wod dem mean?What do the words mean?
- TaneshaMi nuh kno, Andre.I don't know, Andre.
- AndreLet mi check di wod dem fi yuh.Let me check the words for you.
- TaneshaTank yuh, dat woulda help mi.Thank you, that would help me.
