Slangs are playful and easy to type whenever used in texting and other communications. If you often scroll through social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram, you might already be familiar with many slang terms. People use them in stylish ways and try to look cool because of the usage of unique terms.
List of All Jamaican Slang for Friend or Bro
Here is popular Jamaican slang used to refer to a friend or pro in the online world or even in local gatherings.
Note: Below-described slang meaning can vary depending on the context of the text.
1. Bredren
Bredren refers to a brother or a close friend, and in some cases, a group of friends. It has several variations for the indication of singular or plural, such as brethren, breda, or bredda. Its use is only suitable for males. Its usage sounds informal, which means it should only be used with those who already have a close relationship with the user.
Pronunciation: bred-ren
Example
Crosby: I will go to Mayer’s office with all my bredren tomorrow.
Adeline: Good Luck! Hopefully, Mayer will listen and fix your problem.
2. Sistren
The Jamaican term “sistren” refers to a female companion or close friend. It is useful for referring to women only within a gathering by distinguishing them from men. It is not recognized widely, so always check the context if sistren is used according to its explained meanings.
Pronunciation: sis-tren
Example
Orion: Have you liked that gift that I brought for you sistren?
Briar: You pushin P, that gift was awesome 🤩
3. Chardie/Charge
In Jamaican Patois, charge or chardie stands for a nice colleague or a close friend. This slang sounds good when used informally with a person whom one has frankness with. Let’s explore some use cases of chardie.
Pronunciation: char-dee / chaarj
Example
Wells: What’s up chardie?
Emelia: Nothing, what about you?
4. G
In the slang world, the character “G” is utilized for saying someone “bro” or “friend” in Patois. Basically, G stands for“gangsta, which means a member of a gang. However, in a texting context, G can be used in various senses, such as a short for “general.”
Pronunciation: jee
Example
Hawthorne: I’m in the meeting right now, so call me later G.
Greta: Sure, tb when free.
5. Fam
Fam is short for “family” and this casual slang is only used with someone in an affectionate way. Fam can be used for cfl’s and for other loved ones who do not share the same blood. It is equivalent to say, someone’s bro or sis.
Pronunciation: fam
Example
Sterling: You know, you are my fam and I love you!
Piper: Glad to hear that Sterling.
6. Iyah
In some regions, Iyah is used as a name that means “God’s gift.” It is believed that this word is spiritually powerful because it has positive effects on one. In the texting context, it can be used as a term of endearment to call someone a bro or friend.
Pronunciation: aiyah
Example
Colby: Let’s bunk the class and get a coffee.
Maeve: Not today Iyah, do not forget we have to take some important notes.
7. Linky
Linky is a self-explanatory term that indicates a person’s bond or connection with someone. You can call your friend, brother, or anyone close to you a linky.
Pronunciation: lin-kee
Example
Vance: Can you pick up my daughter from school when coming back to your home from the office?
Talia: Sure linky, I will do that for you.
8. Idren
Idren is a term derived from Rastafarian vocabulary and can be used for both male and female friends. Its actual meanings are as a spiritual brother or sister relying on context. However, in many contexts, it is utilized to refer to people with close relationships, including friends.
Pronunciation: i-dren
Example
Beck: I have many friends but you are my best Idren.
Delilah: Thank you for honoring me with your kind words.
9. Budz
Budz is the short form of buddy and is a pretty modern way to interact with peers. A colleague, friend, or bro can be called budz (buddy) casually in Jamaican. Scenarios in which budz can be used with closed ones are described below.
Pronunciation: buhdz
Example
Royce: Hey Budz, I’m bored asf.
Leona: Okay, up for a walk?
10. Dawg
The word “dawg” is playfully misspelled from a dog which is an animator with certain qualities. In many regions, slang Dawg is simply utilized for saying someone’s dude, buddy, or friend. It is essential to use it depending on the region because in some areas such phrases could be considered offensive.
Pronunciation: dawg
Example
Garrett: I have submitted your assignment with all the required stuff.
Dawson: Perfect, you are my best dawg.
11. Gaza
Wherever the friendship is intense or loyal, the slang term gaza is used. It is necessary to look for context for this term because gaza is also a name for a place that is known worldwide.
Pronunciation: gah-zah
Example
Iris: Gaza, I need your help activating dark feminine energy in me.
Sylvia: Alright, I will join you in this in the next hour.
12. Genna
Genna is used to refer to friends with status or high regard. Alternatively, when it comes to mentioning highly respected mates, genna is perfect slang. Its definition can vary depending on various factors. Although, its meanings in terms of friend or bro can be recognized with the help of context.
Pronunciation: jeen-nah
Example
Holden: Congratulations on your victory in the election genna.
Nina: Danke, it looks like the news is spreading fast.
Jamaican Slang in Everyday Life
Jamaican slang is not just about the words but also how and where you use them. For example, saying “bredren” or “sistren” at a fun beach party feels different than using it in a formal meeting. Words like “dawg” or “genna” are more common with younger people in cities.
To learn these terms, pay attention to how Jamaicans use them. You can listen to Jamaican music, watch movies, or even talk to Jamaicans online to understand how these fun expressions are used. Interested in more Jamaican expressions? Check out our guide on Jamaican curse words.
