Bahamian Slang & Sayings
Spend a little time in Eleuthera and you’ll quickly notice—we don’t always speak the Queen’s English the way you learned it in school.
Bahamian dialect is warm, rhythmic, expressive, and deeply rooted in history. Influenced by West African languages, British English, and generations of island life, our speech carries personality, humor, and heart.
If someone tells you “soon come,” don’t check your watch. If you hear “mudda sick,” no one’s calling a doctor. And if someone asks, “What da wybe is?” they just want to know what’s going on. Here’s your guide to understanding Island Talk.
Island Expressions & What They Mean
Everyday Conversation
Everyday Conversation
Everyday Conversation
What da wybe is?
What’s going on?
Soon come
Not right now — but eventually.
Small world
Everyone knows everyone.
Where you at?
Where are you?
You good?
Are you okay?
I straight
I’m fine / I’m okay.
That’s how it does go
That’s just how things happen.
You serious?
Are you for real?
No man!
Expression of surprise or disbelief.
I reach
I’ve arrived.
Time & Pace
Everyday Conversation
Everyday Conversation
Right now now
Immediately.
Just now
Soon — but undefined.
Now just now
Not immediately, but shortly.
Directly
Later (not actually direct).
Long time
A very long time ago.
Reactions & Emotions
Everyday Conversation
Reactions & Emotions
Mudda sick!
Expression of shock (not literal).
Boy stop!
You must be joking.
Gaarn man!
No way!
I dead!
That’s hilarious.
You too fast.
You’re doing too much.
You wrong for that.
That was bold or funny.
Describing People
Weather & Island Life
Reactions & Emotions
He ga head bad.
He’s stubborn or hardheaded.
She fresh.
She has attitude.
He slack.
He’s lazy.
She neat.
She’s stylish or well put together.
He proper.
He’s respectable.
She got manners.
She’s polite.
He small-minded.
He thinks narrowly.
Food & Living
Weather & Island Life
Weather & Island Life
What you cooking?
What’s for dinner?
Pot cake
Mixed-breed island dog.
Peas n’ rice
Classic Bahamian dish.
Conch salad fixin’
Ingredients for conch salad.
Fry fish
Community fish fry event.
Weather & Island Life
Weather & Island Life
Weather & Island Life
The sea rough today.
The ocean is choppy.
The tide high.
Water level is up.
Storm coming up.
Weather turning bad.
The light gone.
Power outage.
Water gone.
Water service off.
Friendly Island Phrases
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
Link up.
Meet up.
Holla me.
Contact me.
Give we a shout.
Get in touch.
Carry come.
Bring it here.
Put it down.
Leave it there.
Mind ya self.
Take care.
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
We does do that.
That’s what we normally do.
How it lookin’?
How’s it going?
It straight.
It’s fine.
That tight.
That’s good / impressive.
Don’t mind them.
Ignore them.
Ya understand?
You get what I mean?
True Island Rhythm Phrases
Classic Bahamian Tone Shifters
True Island Rhythm Phrases
You coming just now?
Are you coming soon?
I coming now.
I’m on my way (maybe).
He gone down da road.
He stepped out nearby.
We on island time.
Relax — no rush.