Share
The Caribbean has officially made its mark on the Oxford English Dictionary, with 12 regionally popular words added this week. These additions reflect the rich linguistic and culinary culture of the islands.
The longest new entry, “carry-go-bring-come,” dates back to 1825. Variations such as “bring-back-carry-come” and “bring-come-and-carry-go” all share the same meaning: gossip, or a person who spreads it.
Food plays a starring role among the new entries. Under the letter ‘C,’ the dictionary includes “cou-cou,” a traditional Caribbean dish made with okra, butter, and cornmeal, along with the accompanying “cou-cou-stick.”
Other culinary terms have roots across the region:
Bulla from the Spanish bollo, is a Jamaican treat: a small, round, flat cake made with flour, molasses, brown sugar, and spices such as ginger, nutmeg, coconut, and pineapple.
Buss up shut is a Trinidadian favorite. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not a command to be quiet but a type of fried unleavened bread with a flaky texture, similar to roti or paratha. Its name derives from the Caribbean pronunciation of bust-up shirt, referencing the bread’s rag-like appearance.
Pholourie is an Indo-Caribbean specialty of fried flour balls made with ground split peas and spices. The word first appeared in a 1936 song by Trinidadian calypso composer Rafael de Leon.
Saltfish takes the title of the oldest Caribbean addition, dating to 1558. Simply put, it refers to fish that has been salted and dried.
Other new entries highlight Caribbean culture and expressions beyond cuisine:
Bobolee – a stuffed and decorated effigy used as a target on Good Friday.
Cry long water – meaning either to cry profusely or insincerely.
Broughtupsy – a term celebrating polite manners and upbringing.
Jamaican Creole – officially recognized as a language variety.
Tantie – a respectful title for an older woman, not necessarily an aunt.
The Oxford English Dictionary now features some 500,000 words and phrases, with origins stretching back to the 11th century, demonstrating how global languages evolve and embrace cultural diversity.
