Wadup? Get Your Kriol on With These 15 Phrases
English is the official language of Belize but if you spend any time there you’ll hear a good deal of Kriol, a fast, fun, slangy permutation of English. Kriol emerged as a form of communication among African slaves of English landowners. This language has become a big part of Belizean cultural identity and is now spoken by about 75% of Belizeans.
Here are 15 Kriol sayings written out by our Belizean staff.
- Weh di guh wan? – What’s going on?
- Wat we wah eat? – What are we going to eat?
- Lesgo da choch. – Let’s go to church.
- Manin – Good morning.
- Aftanun – Good afternoon.
- Wadup? – What’s up?
- Weh yuh di do? – What are you doing?
- Uno guh sleep. – You guys go to sleep.
- Out di light.- Turn off the light.
- Weh u mi deh? – Where were you?
- Lota pikni fu vbs. – There were a lot of kids for VBS.
- Mek we pray suh we munch up. – Let us pray so we can eat.
- Drink lota waata. – Drinks lots of water.
- Bring yuh bug spray caz lota mosquito out deh. – Bring your bug spray because there are a lot of mosquitos out there.
- Mek we geh di pepa? – Can I please have the hot sauce?
Kriol has its own rhythm and meter. After you hang out in Belize a few days you’ll pick it up. Have fun!
