Coastal Language 101

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