devils in trinidad

{Sheena}

Here is the second installment of the basic guide to Trini culture: local lingo! Though we’re all speaking English, we’re not all speaking English…here, a little guide to what some common phrases/words mean:

Lime. Adjective, to chill. Noun, a kickback.
I’m going to a lime in South.
or
You limin’ tonight?

“Oh shocks” = basically another way to say “oh shoot.” Usually in response to something surprising, and usually that something is neutral or slightly negative.
Oh shocks, Cash Cab is on.
or:
Person 1 (about Person 3): Your face looks terrible.
Person 2: Oh shocks.

“Serias?” = “Are you serious?” Pretty simple.

“Vex” = angry. Fun to say fast and furious.
Oh she got me VEX when she yadiyadiyadi…

“Y’all gettin tru?” = “Are you getting by alright?” I think Sarah and I probably hear it a disproportionate amount because we stick out so severely that people are always wondering if we’re lost or if we know what we’re doing, but nevertheless, a new phrase in my book.

Trinis also say “good night” for “good evening” and “good day” for “good afternoon.”

More to come…