Author: C. Carol Brown
I make learning fun...and sticky!
I promised I would do a blog post about some of the words and language commonly used in and around Pearl Lagoon. Here it is. The language here on the coast is a combination of English, Spanish and Miskito which is collectively referred to as Creole.
If they use the Spanish words for a thing then they always use the Spanish word and may not even know how to say the word in English.
Forgive the spelling. I’m doing it phonetically the way the words sound to me!
Quale or quail | Almost dry; usually used in reference to laundry |
Suppostamente (Spanish) | Supposedly |
Tranquillo (Spanish) | Tranquil, calm, relaxed, easy |
Tortiya (Spanish) | Jamaican-style fried dumpling but in a triangular shape |
Bad feeling | Upset stomach; feel to vomit |
Catch a cold | Used to explain just about all illnesses |
Bunka/rump | Butt, ass, behind, tush, etc. |
Shittings | Diarrhea |
Poro (Spanish) | Penis |
Para ya (Spanish) | A long time ago; or from time-to-time |
Sickening | Disgusting |
Salva Vida (Spanish) | Life Jacket/vest |
Novella (Spanish) | Spanish soap opera |
Poonk | Fart |
That’s why | I’m still not sure how this is used! |
In my mind | To myself |
Beyho (Spanish) | Old man |
Heaty | Hot |
Chinnella (Spanish) | Slippers or sandals |
Fishining | Fishing |
Dorry | Boat smaller than a panga and needs oars |
Panga | Boat that uses an engine |
Clamp | Stapler |
Tio (Spanish) | Uncle |
How? | How are you? |
Hard man | A common greeting between men |
Right here | Used in response to How? |
Plasticard | Laminate |
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jesse on November 11, 2014 AT 01 pm
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thanks!!