They say when in Rome, do what the Romans do, but the best way to go about that should probably be to get guidance from an actual Roman… As a platform dedicated to celebrating Virgin Islands lifestyle and culture, it’s only right that we take the time to put you on to slang we ACTUALLY use. Here is a list of commonly used words in both territories that will have you sounding like one of us.
1. Meeno (phrase): I don’t know
Example: Meeno where she is.
2. Buss Off (v): to leave
Example: Your mother done buss off.
3. Melee or Bam (noun): gossip
Example: Dem people love to pound too much melee.
4. Jokey (adj or adv): silly; not serious
Example: You moving jokey
5. Moo Moo (noun): fool
Example: That boy is a moo moo
6. Lime (noun): outing
Example: I tryin buss a big lime tonight. Limin (verb)Example: You going limin tonight?
7. Doan (verb): don’t, do not
Example: Doan put raisins in my coleslaw!
8. Pickin Whelks (phrase): someone wearing pants that are too short.
Example: Dehman, your pants pickin whelks.
9. Well sah (phrase): state of shock
Example: She still talking to he? Well sah!
10. GYMS: Get your mother sk*unt
If someone uses this word on you, you might be in danger, I fear. Most people in the Virgin Islands speak English, so you won’t have an incredibly hard time communicating with the locals, but knowing these words and phrases will make it easier. Now it’s time to put all this learning to work. Visit the Virgin Islands ASAP, have first-hand conversations with people on the islands, and, of course, lime hard!
