SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

CREATE AN ACCOUNT FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

CREATE ACCOUNT

ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT?
  • SIGN UP
  • LOGIN

Go Barbados

Go Barbados

Come Intimately explore Barbados! We have everything you need to plan your perfect holiday. Relax, Unwind, Shop, Dine, Stay or Play!

T (246) 242 8581
Email: info.gobarbados@gmail.com

Caribbean Dreams Publishing
Guinea Plantation, St. John, Barbados

Open in Google Maps
  • HOME
    • EXPLORE OUR ISLAND
      • Go For The Adventure
      • Our Barbados Bucket List
      • About Barbados
      • Go For The Food
      • Sightseeing
      • Top Activities
      • Island Photos
    • PLAN YOUR TRIP
      • Plan a 5 Day Getaway
      • General Travel Info
      • Local Transport
      • Airline Travel
      • Cruise
      • Accommodation in Barbados
  • OUR PUBLICATIONS
    • GO Barbados Magazine
    • Barbados Holiday Map
    • Caribbean Dreams Magazine
    • Evolving Business Magazine
    • Travel Blog & Island Stories
    • Advertise
  • TRIP IDEAS
    • Activities in Barbados
      • Our Barbados Bucket List
      • Activities – Top Activities
      • Nightlife
      • Spas & Wellness
      • Weddings in Barbados
    • Shows, Theatre & Arts
      • Barbados Festivals & Events
      • Music & Arts
      • Sports in Barbados
    • Things To Do In Barbados
      • Explore – 5 Days To Play
      • Day Trips – 11 Parishes in 1 Day
      • Business
      • Shopping & Services in Barbados
      • Explore Bridgetown
        • Top Questions About Barbados
        • Sightseeing
  • EXPLORE
    • Adventure
      • Accommodation in Barbados
      • Weather in Barbados
      • Sports in Barbados
    • About Barbados
      • Our Barbados Bucket List
      • Beaches & All Things Ocean
      • Island Heritage – Rum
      • Barbados Photos Galore!
    • Eat & Drink in Barbados
      • Barbados Recipes
      • Barbados Bars
      • Barbados Restaurant Listings
    • GO For the Sights
      • Barbados Natural Attractions & Parks
      • Museums & Heritage Sites
      • Natural Wonders
  • Weddings in Barbados
  • EVERYTHING ELSE
    • Bajan Extras
      • Travel Blog & Island Stories
      • Travel Forum – Ask Patsy Allawe Anything
      • Island Heritage – Rum
      • Island Videos
      • Shopping & Services in Barbados
      • Things To Do In Barbados
      • Weather in Barbados
    • Basic Info – About Us
      • Get In Touch Today
      • Basic Info – Advertise
      • Basic Info – Disclaimer
      • Basic Info – Privacy Policy
      • Basic Info – We’re Hiring!
      • Basic Info – Sitemap
      • Specials & Promotions
CONTACTUS
  • Home
  • Travel Blog & Island Stories
  • Blog
  • Bajan Nicknames

Bajan Nicknames

Monday, 29 January 2018 / Published in Blog, Latest posts

Bajan Nicknames

Genesis of Bajan Nicknames

The concept of nicknames first originated in Barbados during the slavery era. During this era, slaves tended to use their native language to communicate in ways that the planter class could not understand. Because of this, the plantocracy decided to rename the slaves, due to a lack of understanding of their language. In some ways this practice was used to demoralise the slaves but today, nicknames tend to be a tone of affection when they are given, and are very humorous in the  way that they are applied, even when sometimes the name may seem demeaning. Nicknames in Barbados are usually given in childhood. Don’t be ashamed if you don’t understand a person’s nickname because some nicknames tend to be quite confusing and tend not to make a lot of sense. Nicknames are given sometimes based on an occupation, or as a result of a particular incident. However, in recent times, nicknames tend to be given based on the looks of a person.

Popular Nicknames and their Meanings

  • Cow foot – someone with unusually large feet.
  • Buffalo – someone who is overweight from a very young age.
  • Boy blue – given to someone with a very dark complexion, so dark it was described as being. “black til it blue”.
  • Chinee man – given to persons with slanted eyes.
  • Jack – given to someone who is “jack of all trades, master of none”.
  • De hammer – given to carpenters.
  • Hawk – a guy who would see a girl and quickly make a move.
  • Hunter – a guy always looking for female company.
  • Daddy and Mums – terms used to address elderly folk. Commonly seen with conductors. addressing elderly persons on vans.
  • Short man – for short men.
  • Tall man – for tall men.
  • Red man – to address men who are “light brown” in complexion.
  • Fat man – for chubby or fat men.
  • Ras – used to address persons who are Rastafarians.
  • “B” – to address a friend/confidant.

 

This list is by no means exhaustive, as some nicknames are less common and just applied based on something from a person’s childhood as previously mentioned. However, the giving of nicknames is a key part of Barbadian culture, specifically that of the forefathers.

  • Tweet

What you can read next

Island News – The Challenor Ice Bucket Challenge Reaping Rewards
Dining by the Water’s Edge – St. Philip
Date Night at the Movies

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Find It Here!

Our Terrific Tales & Blog

  • Interview With Siobhan Kirton of Shivs Barbados

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan 20th

  • Railway Returns to Barbados

Read Go Magazine Now

Select a Category To Explore!

  • Read A Publication
  • Plan Your Trip
  • Explore Our Island
  • Great Food
  • Restaurants
  • Request A Media Kit
  • Work With us – Careers
  • Site Map
  • GET SOCIAL
Go Barbados

© 2020 All Rights Reserved. Read, Share, Explore...Dream! Visit Caribbean Dreams Publishing.

TOP