23 Rasta Slang Words Translated and Explained

in rastafari •  5 years ago 

Wah Gwaan people from all around the World!?

Actually, wah gwaan were the first 2 words of Jamaican Patois I ever heard. It means 'What's going on?' or 'How are you?' in the Rastafari language too. So, I did some research on other words that Rastafarians use, and here are 23 words and phrases that Rastas speak.

23 Words and Phrases that Rastafarians speak.

rasta words and phrases.jpg

  • Hail Up: A pretty simple word and this one means Hi or Hallo.
  • Give Thanks: Expressing your gratitude to someone or something.
  • Babylon: If you see a cop on the street, they are called Babylon. Also, the corrupt government has honoured the same name.

rasta word police slang.jpg

  • Jah Guide: If a Rastafarian tells you goodbye, this is what they say.
  • Weed Jam: A circle of herb-smoking people. So if you wanna smoke pot with friends at your place, this is a Weed Jam.
  • Blaze: The act of smoking Marijuana
  • Suru Board: We all have this one at home. A chopping board to cut and roll your weed.

rastafari words ganja.jpg

  • Dinki Dough: If you translate it to Jamaican Patois, this will mean a funeral. For Rastas its just ganja.
  • Isis: For Western people its something different, but in the rasta culture it means praising someone.
  • Jah Bless: One of the easiest words I guess. Means God Bless you.
  • Politricks: The Rasta word for corrupt politics. You could read many tricks, that's correct.
  • Shitstem: Basically the same slang word as politricks. Against the corrupt government. Peter Tosh, famous Rastafarian, used this term the first.

rasta word hat beany.jpg

  • Tam: If you visualize Bob Marley or many other rastas, the woollen hat on their head is called a Tam.
  • Ball Head: Refers to a Rastafari who doesn't have dreadlocks
  • Sistah: A female rasta, it is as simple as that. English translation from Jamaican Patois is also sister.

rasta words woman sistah.jpg

  • Vampaya: Refers to somebody who looks like a Rastafari but doesn't practise Rastafarianism.
  • Livity: Rastas live sober and one with nature. This is their Livity or way of living.
  • Irieshun: If you like somebody or something and you get that tinkling feeling.
  • Bag o Wire: Is basically a snitch or a betrayer. Don´t be this guy/gal.
  • Jah Jah: Jehovah, Jahweh, God - its al Jah Jah

rasta word jah jah.jpg

  • Rasta: This one you probably used the most in your life. Its is a Rastafari who also lives by the rules of Rastafarianism.
  • Ital: We call is Biological. Rasta word for Bio is Ital. Untampered food is the future of mankind.
  • Earthsong: And I saved the best for last. This beautiful Rastafarian word means Birthday!

rastafarian word birthday.jpg

Now, I hope you learned some new words. If you do visit the beautiful Island of Jamaica, or you meet a Rasta anywhere else, you can now finally have a meaningful conversation.

Whatever you do: KEEP JAHMING
@whatsthatcryptom

If you like Reggae, Jamaica, Rastafari's or everything in between - Join us at https://reggaesteem.io

Imagesources: Pixabay


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Never knew blaze was from Rasta's we used that word often some people I grew up with also said Babylon from time to time, pigs was more common.


Posted via ReggaeSteem | Reggae Culture Rewarded

Well done. Good to see this type of article about the language on the feed.

Posted using Partiko iOS

Nice job bredda, maybe a typo it’s ‘Earthstrong’ ie Happy Earthstrong 💪🏽🌍

Give thanks 🙏🏽

Posted using Partiko iOS

Irieshun - that's a beautiful word, sounds like what it means :)


Posted via ReggaeSteem | Reggae Culture Rewarded

@whatsthatcryptom, This is really cool and in my opinion this Knowledge Transfer effort is really appreciable. Stay blessed.

Posted using Partiko Android

I learned a few new words today. Thanks and Jah Bless!