Leeds Hip Hop Scene

Having seen DJ Derek last night at New Bohemia, Leeds, I thought it only fair to you all to drop a few typical Patois phrases in case you’re ever in a dancehall. Patois (Patwa) is an English/African-based language descendant of a 17th century dialect created from the West/Central African dialects spoken by the slaves as they learnt and mastered the English language.

BAD BWAI: Bad Boy
BAMBA YAY: By and By
BIG BOUT YAH: Boss man
BUMBO CLOT: Arse Cloth
CU: Look
DE ‘PON: There upon
DREAD: Serious
DUTTY: Dirty
FI: For or To
HOT-STEPPER: Criminal on the run
JAH KNOW : God Knows
NAH: Not
PUSSY CLOT: Used tampon
SKANK: Dance
STEP: Leave
YA NUH SEE?: You Know