Trifter

The language of the Virgin Islands, a United States territory, is English sprinkled with some Creole, French patois and Spanish. Although the language is English, an oft heard question from first time visitors is … “What language is spoken here?”

That’s because a hodge-podge of dialects, accents and a tendency toward rapid speech can create a first impression that something other than English is being spoken.

The history of the Virgin Islands, which has flown under seven different flags, reveals influences from numerous languages including, Danish, Irish, Dutch, Spanish, French, English, Scottish, and various African languages spoken by slaves.

To find some common ground, a Dutch Creole that consisted of bits and pieces of all the languages evolved and became dominant between the mid-1600’s and early 1700’s. Dutch Creole prevailed until the early 1800’s when an English Creole developed and was spoken until standard English eventually took its place.

Today, colorful Creole words and expressions sprinkle the language giving it an exotic, and sometimes amusing flavor. Many of these words can be heard, not just in the Virgin Islands, but around the Caribbean.

So, if you want to be “In the Know” on that Caribbean trip, check out the terminology listed below:

Lime: To party; have a good time.

When taxi drivers, doormen, waiters ask the question … “Are you liming tonight?” Say something like, “I’d like to; where’s the best “in” spot on island?”

Frig: Annoy; bother.

When you hear someone say … “I’m not going to let her/him frig me up,” they’re annoyed with someone. Just be sympathetic.

Irie: Happy; satisfied.

There are variations on this word in the Caribbean. For some it means, “Glory” while for others it means, “Feeling Great”. The general use of the word however, that has turned up in everything from general conversation to song lyrics and poems is simply, “Happy”.

Bumsie/Bum: Backside

This simply means … um … how do I say … oh well … one’s butt. A popular VI song of a few years ago was titled “Bumsie Rock”.

Melee: Gossip

Some of the great Calypsonians (songsters), have huge success penning and singing songs based on island melee.

Wine: A type of dance

Moving your hips in a rhythmic grind. Dancing in the Calypso style of dance usually involves some form of wining. A popular expression is … “Wine your waist.”

Eh Eh: Expression of surprise; concern.

This is similar to saying … “Oh, Oh,” only with more layers of meaning.

Oiy: Agreement; can also express concern.

Being in agreement with someone, but can also mean being in empathetic agreement about something.

Goodnight: A salutation; greeting

Instead of being used to say “Goodbye”, this is used to say “Hello”. Don’t be confused if you find yourself greeting someone with a “hello” and at the same time they’re greeting you with, “Goodnight.” To islanders this is an evening salutation.

Tip: An additional comment on greeting islanders. Always offer a salutation. If you walk up to someone and begin talking without greeting them first, they’ll likely not even answer because they think you’re rude. This is such an issue, it is included in Virgin Islands guidebooks.

Boondoggle; Crazy mix; confusion.

The Carnival celebration was a boondoggle of costumes, floats, bands and music.

For more information on Virgin Islands culture, see my article The Virgin Islands Americas Paradise is a Vacation Delight.  Also visit my Blog on the U.S. Virgin Islands at: livingvirginislandsstyle.blogspot.com