Final2015-2016
As we wrap-up another awesomely Gaucho year, we reflect on prom, the latest jams and tech, and the importance of understanding the symbology we encounter in our lives and the world. And we leave you with another installment of "How I Picked Up a Penny" and some Hawaiian cuisine to kickstart your summer.
...Adios until next year gauchos!
To see this and other artwork - check out the Mind's Eye page under Legatum.
Graduation is less than a month away.
This is a true turning point in all of our lives. None of us know a life without school. We’ve been here seven hours a day for 180 days for thirteen years. It’ll be a sudden shock to wake up one morning and know that you’ll never again have this sort of structure, which will in retrospect seem like comforting stability if nothing else. Many of us have never had steady or real jobs or been away from our homes for extended periods of time. Now, we will need the former to support ourselves, and even if we don’t leave the area immediately, the majority of us will be on our own within the coming year.
Once you graduate, chances are you will never see most of these people again, even if you do choose to stay in Merced. You won’t care because they simply won’t matter to you anymore, except for a select few, maybe. Even then, you will grow apart from those who were your closest friends as life takes you in different directions.
It’s perfectly okay to feel nervous, it’s okay to feel afraid. It’s smart even - you might feel more prepared and comfortable when the time actually comes.
Bye El Cap...
Prom!
Loco Moco
Rice:
2 cups long grain rice
3 ½ cups chicken stock
Patties:
1 pound ground beef
¼ cup diced Maui or Sweet Vidalia onion
Sea salt and pepper
Canola oil
Gravy:
1 tbsp butter
¼ cup chopped cremini mushrooms
¼ cup diced Maui or Sweet Vidalia onion
1 ½ cups beef broth
1 tsp Worcester sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
4 eggs
2 tbsp butter
In a medium saucepot over high heat, bring the chicken broth to boil. Add the rice, cover and reduce the heat to low for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. (Alternatively, you can do this step in a rice cooker.) Fluff with a fork and cover. Keep warm until ready for use.
Mix the ground beef, onions, and some salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Form 4 medium patties and set aside. Set a large cast-iron pan over high heat. Add a drizzle of canola oil and set the patties in the pan. Cover pan with a lid to seal in the moisture and ensure juicy patties. Cook until well browned on first side, 3 to 4 minutes. Then remove the lid, flip over, replace the lid and continue cooking to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium-rare. Remove the burgers and keep warm.
Add the butter to the pan with the drippings. Saute the mushrooms and onions until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a boil, and reduce down for 2 to 3 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoons water to make a smooth paste. Slowly add into the gravy, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready for use.
Add some butter to a nonstick pan over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook sunny-side up, 3 to 4 minutes. You can flip the eggs over-easy if you prefer them cooked a little more. Remove and keep warm. Plate the cooked rice, set the burgers on top, then the eggs, and finally the gravy. Serves 4.
Interviews By: Versette, El Eric, and Hail Storm
Prom is one of those highlights of high school that students tend to remember forever. Some of our senior Gazette staff were able to create their own memories of the El Cap 2016 masquerade-themed prom this year. The purple decor, twinkling lights, food, games, friends, fun, and fireworks were even more magical beneath the clear night sky. But we asked ourselves...what was prom like way back in the day? So, we decided to ask some teachers about their prom experiences. Unfortunately, we didn't get many responses...but here is a nice snapshot of prom thru the decades:
Mrs. Spurlock: 1979
Mrs. Spurlock went to Le Grand High School in the 70’s, where she attended her prom in 1979, she was prom queen and went on to be a teaching queen! On the night of her prom, she got ready and waited for her date to pick her up; they first went out to have dinner; then they went on to enjoy their flower-decorated prom. To top it all off, they ended up having breakfast at Denny’s like any other normal teenager.
Mr. Parker: 1988
Mr. Parker went to his prom in 1988 with Melanie. He picked her up and took her out to dinner with some friends. His prom was located at Merced High School in the gym and by the pool. Parker’s word of advice for future prom-goers is to just have fun.
Ms. Brazil: 1999
Ms. Brazil did not attend her 1999 prom because she was at continuation school and had a baby to care for that night (and all other nights - don’t have kids, kids!). Ms. Brazil doesn’t like the idea of off-campus proms because she believes prom should be accessible and affordable for everyone.
Mrs. Pedrozo: 2001
Mrs. Pedrozo was a total babe at her prom! Her $60 prom tickets sent her all the way to the San Francisco Gift Center where she she attended with her long-time crush, Pete Cordova, who picked her up in a Hummer-limo with their friends. When they arrived they had a delicious chicken dinner. Pete was a complete gentleman - this is super important future prom-goers! After the dance, all these prom-pals stayed at a beach house in Aptos! Overall, Mrs. Pedrozo agrees that it was one of the best nights of her life (right next to childbirth because who doesn’t enjoy that?). She went on to say that she would not change a thing.
Hawaiian Cuisine
Hello, everyone! Sherrie here! Summer vacation’s gonna be here real soon, so most of you will be going out of town, out of state, even. If you aren’t fortunate enough to get out of the valley, then at least you can give your tastebuds the getaway that they deserve because this month’s edition is all about Hawaiian cuisine!
Hawaiian food is something of an enigma. It’s a wonderful hodgepodge of Western and Asian food, with lots of local influence. With a multitude of fresh produce not native to the States at their disposal, it’s no wonder why Hawaiian delicacies are totally unique. I had the lucky chance of visiting Hawaii myself last November and Oh. My. Gosh. The food was incredible! The flavors were so intense. Passion fruit cheesecake, chocolate dipped cuttlefish, pork katsu, malasadas, and an overwhelmingly indulgent macadamia nut pie were just a few dishes that I sampled. But let’s start with something iconic: Loco Moco. Loco Moco is a dish of rice, hamburger, and a fried egg swimming in a rich brown gravy. It represents the multiculturalism that defines Hawaii as our 50th state. The dish has been around since the 1940s and its origin is shrouded in mystery. One legend tells a story about Nancy Inouye, the owner of the Lincoln Grill, who invented something tasty and affordable for the kids on the island. When she wanted to put it on the menu, she asked her husband, Richard, for what they should call it. “The kids are crazy,” he said. “Call it loco moco.” Another legend says that it was named after the first kid to try it; he was nicknamed Loco. Whatever its origins, loco moco has come to characterize Hawaii’s casual plate-lunch fare, satisfying the appetites of hungry surfers everywhere.
Next on our list is Spam. Yes, separated ham. I for one LOVE this junk; it’s salty, soft, and it has a really subtle bacon-y flavor. I asked around a bit and to no surprise, most people think spam is revolting. I can see their point - it lasts indefinitely, it slides out of the can pink and slimy, and the stigma surrounding it makes it out to be some sort of mystery meat. But did you know that Hawaiians are the second largest consumers of Spam in the world? Originally brought to Hawaii by soldiers in their rations, Spam became an important source of protein for locals after fishing was prohibited during World War II. Spam is used in many ways, but most commonly fried and served with rice. For breakfast, fried eggs are often served with Spam. Spam can also be wrapped in ti and roasted, skewered and deep fried, or stir-fried with cabbage. It can be added to saimin and fried rice, mashed with tofu, or served with baked macaroni and cheese. Spam musubi, a slice of fried Spam upon a bed of rice wrapped with a strip of nori, is a popular snack in Hawaii which found its way onto island sushi menus in the 1980s. I had the opportunity to try some spam flavored macadamia nuts, which I’m sorry to say tasted salty and disgusting.
The McDonald’s in Hawaii features a few different menu items unique to its mainland locations. Spam additions, pineapple milkshakes, and taro root pie were nestled into the menu between the Big Macs and McNuggets, but something else caught my eye. The glowing sign was a soft aqua, and it featured a coconut, a pie, and a word that I had never seen before. “What’s… haupia?” I asked my Aunt. She whirled around and looked at me curiously. “You’ve never had haupia?” I shared a look with my sister and we shook our heads. My Aunt pursed her lips, turned back to the drive thru box, and promptly ordered five haupia pies. The pies came in a folded orange and red box that featured both the yellow “M” and an image of a man being kissed by a woman. The pie itself was the same size as a regular apple pie, but instead of being baked, it was fried. My first bite was magical; the crust crunched in a light crispness that contrasted the gelatinous filling, which had an intense coconut flavor without being too sweet. It was lava-hot, even after sitting in the bag while we finished our regular food. Occasionally, I’d get a bite of a half-melted gelatin cube, but I didn’t mind. I ate slowly, not knowing if this would be my only chance to taste something so wonderful. I have a very soft spot for coconut, and this pie hit it right on the mark. If I ever get the chance to visit Hawaii again, I’ll forgo the fancy grill places and go straight to McDonald’s.
I hope you enjoyed this edition’s installment of Gaucho Grub. I regret to inform my readers that this will be my last submission to the Gaucho Gazette, for I am graduating this year. I’ve been in Gazette since day one, and I’ve had so much fun every day I’ve been a part of it. I’ve made and lost friends along the way, but I have no regrets. I want to thank everyone that I’ve had the privilege of working with, both teachers and students alike. I’ll always love you guys, forever and ever.
Farewell!
Sherrie Spedini
Spam Fried Rice
3 tbsp canola oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp pepper
3 cups of cooked, leftover rice
¾ cup diced Spam
¾ cup chopped vegetables, such as carrots, onion, celery, peppers, and peas
1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
4 green onions, thinly sliced
2 small cloves of garlic
Set a skillet on high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and very lightly scramble eggs, salt, and pepper. Put eggs on the side on a plate. Only lightly scramble them because you will put them back in later and cook them some more.
Put 2 tbsp oil in and let it heat up to medium-high heat. Add the garlic and spam. Let it lightly brown. Then add in your rice. Add the soy sauce evenly and stir everything.
As you cook your rice, it should start to soak up the soy sauce and may get a little crisp too, since leftover rice is not very wet. Stir occasionally, as you don't want your rice to burn. Finally, add in your veggies, your green onion, and your eggs back in. Cook for another minute and serve. Serves 4
Sympathy for Swastikas: The Truth Behind a Symbol of Terror
By: Luvenes Sapien
Many a soul believe the Swastika was and is only the symbol for Hitler and his ideals, but this is inaccurate. The Swastika had been around at least 5,000 years before Adolf Hitler. The word itself comes from Sanskrit svastika, which translates to “good fortune,” and/or “well-being.” The symbol was also used to represent female fertility. Some evidence suggests that the symbol itself represented the sun’s movement through the sky. In Hinduism, the right-handed swastika is used to bring prosperity as well as protection. It also symbolizes goodness, the Sun, Brahma (their Creator). Be this as it may, if the swastika if left handed, or backwards, it is a means to bring destruction according to their beliefs.
For the Buddhists, the Swastika means resignation. It is commonly found on the Buddha in various locations. It also symbolizes the footsteps of Buddha.
For Jainism followers, it is meant to portray Jainism’s seventh saint and/or the four possible places for reincarnation: Hell, Earth, Animal/Plant World, and finally the Spirit World.
Boy Scouts, an American youth organization, used the Swastika as a badge of thanks. Any scout seen wearing his Swastika badge was obligated to be helped by any scout near them. If another scout did indeed help, the one who was helped could reward their do-gooder by giving them their own Swastika badge. This gave them newfound power to reward others with this badge of good deeds and become obligated to any help needed.
I personally went around and asked various staff and students on campus what they know about, what they think the Swastika means, and, or how it originated. The ratio of students to teachers was….surprising.
In this poll 33% of the staff were right about the swastika. The rest stating it was only Hitler’s symbol. In reverse 67% of the students were correct. With those numbers being reversed to describe the staff to student percentages of incorrect knowledge.
As one can see, the Swastika has been a symbol of light and goodness for the longest of times before a more powerful, negative connotation was placed upon it. Take what you’ve learned from this and spread the knowledge: impress someone, maybe start that conversation with your crush, or prove your favorite - or most hated - teacher(s) or student(s) wrong. Get rid of ignorance and help bring back the power of truth. Almost every well known culture or area has a swastika with its true meaning. Show the world its good side. If we start with showing the good in misunderstood symbols, we can grow to understand each other better. We can start ending large oppositions with negotiations instead of war. We can take back the power and use it for goos. As individuals we can grow to be better. We can get rid of misunderstandings in our personals lives, and be free.
Sources:
"History of the Swastika." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Council, 29 Jan. 2016. Web. 08 Apr. 2016. <https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007453>.
Varma, Anuradha. "What the Swastika Means - Times of India." The Times of India. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2016. <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bangalore-times/What-the-Swastika-means/articleshow/994390.cms>.
Murray, Caig. " Swastikas in Scouting." Swastikas in Scouting. International Scouting Museum, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. <http://www.worldscoutingmuseum.org/swastikas.shtml>.
Chocolate Haupia Pie
1 9-in. unbaked pie crust
1 cup milk
1 14 oz. can coconut milk
1 tbsp. coconut extract
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup cornstarch
7/8 cup Dutch chocolate or any chocolate with
high cocoa butter content
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake crust for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, coconut milk, coconut extract and 1 cup sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water. After bringing coconut milk mixture to a boil, reduce to simmer and slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring over low heat until thickened—about three minutes. Divide evenly into two bowls.
In another bowl, microwave chocolate until melted. Mix chocolate into one of the bowls of coconut pudding, then pour mixture into the pie crust, spread and let sit.
Pour the remaining bowl of coconut pudding on top of the chocolate-coconut pudding mixture and spread smooth being careful not to mix the two layers. Refrigerate the pie for an hour or more.
Whip the heavy cream with ¼ cup of sugar until stiff. Layer the whipped cream on the pie surface. Serves 10.
By: Micah Joel
Beyoncé’s recent effort Lemonade reveals a more raw side of her as she gives the whole world something to talk about: her personal life. The whole world is currently shaking right now as we ask this question: is Jay Z, husband of eight years and father of the beautiful Blue Ivy Carter, cheating on Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter with a white woman named Becky? This is what Lemonade does—it makes us question if Jay really did have an affair that the public doesn’t know about with songs like “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Sorry.” Of course, this album also offers us a mixture of genres including R&B, hip hop, pop, rock, and even country with the song “Daddy Lessons” that tells the story of a cheating father who tells his daughter to shoot any man who has a tendency to cheat like him. That’s the whole theme of the album—a woman going through the stages of love whether it be beautiful or rough.
The accompanying film, which aired on HBO, reveals this loud and proud as we are guided through the hour long project with a voiceover by Mrs. Knowles-Carter herself reading poetry and prose written by poet Warsan Shire. We also get some of the themes offered in previous albums— feminism and empowerment with songs like “6 Inch” and pop love anthems like “All Night.” Beyoncé gives strength to black women with songs like “Formation,” which debuted back in February, and “Freedom,” which emphasizes the need for African American women to stand up for their rights and break free from society’s view. Lemonade is a statement that brings the African American community together. With the unfortunate recurring headlines about unarmed black teens being shot, Knowles-Carter is taking a stand and using her musical platform to speak upon this issue. We see the emotional side of this as she introduces mothers of these deceased teens in the film. This includes the mother of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin, who were all teens shot and killed by police officers, shootings that deserve justice. Beyoncé is speaking out more with her music and giving others a voice for their struggles. As she says in the May issue of Elle Magazine, “I hope I can make art that helps people heal. Art that makes everyone feel proud of their struggle. Everyone experiences pain, but sometimes you need to be uncomfortable to transform.”
To say the least, Lemonade is an outstanding record that gives the modern woman a voice. The theme that Knowles-Carter is definitely shooting for with this refreshing and monumental album is “I am woman, hear me roar” along with the continuing theme of the struggles that every woman of color can relate to. The fact that she has also given the public something different from her previous records really says a lot about her artistry, and the fact that she is making this record an event is really making her stand out from the current music industry. Beyoncé is a growing artist that truly wants to put her music to good use. If it means being explicit and going all out, then she’s prepared to make the people that loved songs like “Halo” or “If I Were a Boy” outraged.
Thoughts on Each Song:
“Pray You Catch Me”: The opening track of Lemonade is an example of pure honesty in my opinion. It introduces what we’ll expect from the record, which is heartbreak and not trusting the intentions of a cheating man. She wants nothing but the man she loves to notice how much she is hurt by his ways. The vocals are soft in this song, and we are given the sweet sounds of an orchestra at the end along with Beyoncé’s voice that gives us this epic moment of “Yasss Bey, you better give us life with that angelic voice!” In my opinion, it is a very fitting album opener.
“Hold Up”: This track presents a very fun instrumental that somehow asserts how Bey feels about this man that is cheating on her. She knows nobody else truly feels the same way about this man like she does, even though he is cheating on her. “They don’t love you like I love you,” she sings. I feel like she got her point across with this second song, and it’s very playful while still being honest and maintaining the serious theme that Beyoncé creates with Lemonade.
“Don’t Hurt Yourself” (feat. Jack White): With a feature from lead singer and guitarist of the rock band The White Stripes, it is only appropriate for Bey to make us angry with this guitar fueled song that features Beyoncé’s rough and tough vocals. This is a stand-out track for me that makes me want to break all of my non-existent partner’s stuff and say, Don’t mess with me! I’m the best thing you ever had! It is also very reminiscent of her song “Ring the Alarm,” which was on her second album B'Day which had a similar theme of infidelity. This is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album.
“Sorry”: Yes, this is the song that everyone is talking about with the “He better call Becky with the good hair”-line that caused speculation and made major headlines after the release of this album. “Sorry” is simply an unapologetic breakup song for women to sing along to and not get all caught up in their feelings. It’s also one of my favorite songs off of Lemonade. It’s a definite radio hit that will be overplayed to death, and I’ll be totally okay with that.
“6 Inch” (feat. The Weeknd): This is the immediately-infamous “stripper song” that some women felt they needed to feel empowered, and that’s the name of the game for Beyoncé: empowerment for women and motivation for them to make their own money and stay on their grind. That’s definitely what I appreciate about this song, which is my third favorite song on the record. The Weeknd feature also adds something even more sensual to this song. It’s perfection: silky smooth. It also feels like the sequel to “Partition,” which was a sexy song off of Bey’s self-titled project with a similar tone and hard-hitting beat.
“Daddy Lessons”: This song was just so unexpected and wild for Beyoncé as it takes us back to her Houston roots. I definitely appreciated this since it introduced country music to her fans (also known as the Beyhive). I’m not a fan of country, but it’s great that she is introducing this country side of herself to people. It also incorporates this story that matches the theme of the album. It’s definitely a song that even people who aren’t big fans of Beyoncé will appreciate.
“Love Drought”: Although this album is something you can listen to without skipping, “Love Drought” was a song for me that you could only listen to when you’re in a certain mood. The smooth vocals along with the hook that you could softly sing to gave me the feeling of wanting to curl in bed and think about fixing the relationship with the love I’ve never even had.
“Sandcastles”: This piano ballad . . . Wow. “Every promise don’t work out that way,” Beyoncé sings as she reveals her more vulnerable side to the world. Because this song is so personal, I will not elaborate further on it; you’ll just have to listen to it to feel the heartbreak and the tears that the queen is shedding for the love of her life.
“Forward” (feat. James Blake): I won’t really get into this song since it’s an interlude and Bey’s voice isn’t the focal point of it, but the transition from “Sandcastles” to this song is well done. Also, James Blake’s voice is incredible as he sings these beautiful lyrics that really tell you that Beyoncé wants to move forward from the events that occurred with her and the one she loved. It’s short, yet makes it point within this short amount of time.
“Freedom” (feat. Kendrick Lamar): There are many words to describe this anthem for women of color, here’s just a few: powerful, empowering, and hopeful. I think you’ll have to listen to understand with its appropriately-noisy instrumental, and Kendrick Lamar’s involvement is fitting since his last project To Pimp a Butterfly is about empowerment in the black community.
“All Night”: This is the unofficial album closer (“Formation” is the album closer, but this one feels more appropriate). “All Night” really brings things together and gives off this feeling of: It’s okay, this relationship is going to be alright. It’s a really beautiful track that fans of songs like “Halo” will truly appreciate.
“Formation”: Do I really need to say anything about this empowering bop? It’s a simple song that caused quite a conservation after its Super Bowl 50 debut, and that’s just what Queen Bey does.
Game Review
Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series
Based on the original Borderlands series, Tales From the Borderlands is a 5-part episodic game. Our story begins with Rhys, a company drone for Hyperion Co. As far as protagonists go, you can’t exactly be empathetic with him for lack of emotional backstory, but you can admire his skill and determination. One thing that makes him stand out from the rest is a biomechanical eye implant, which allows him to see and read
any situation. Rhys is a very ambitious man, and isn’t content to forever be a company man. After the death of the tyrant Handsome Jack, President of the Hyperion Co. and dictator of the planet Pandora, Rhys sees a chance to become the next President.
Enter Fiona: a master con, and wanted woman. After having been raised on the street with her sister and thinking up every con one can muster, it’s time to go out with a bang. An emotional back story (Yay!) helps you relate and see her reasoning for the way she acts. As money is scarce on Pandora, it’s finally time. The final con: a deal that could bring in an easy 10 million. With this, she and her sister could live comfortably for the rest of their lives. But what seemed like an easy plan is thrown into a spiral when Rhys and Fiona come face to face. And to put the cherry on top of the theoretical ice cream sundae, get this: you’re both of the characters. Yup. Not only do you play as Rhys, you also play as Fiona. Every decision you make influences one of the different outcomes, and each decision you make as one of the characters influences the other. Although the graphics aren’t hyper-realistic, they’re still pretty amazing - almost comic-book like. To some, aspects of the game can be considered dark, but it’s filled with humor and jokes. The game isn’t multiplayer, but it is fun to watch friends play; it’s almost like watching an episode of a TV show. While it’s not exactly easy, it would be a good game for beginning gamers to start out on.
Currently, the available formats are: Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, compatible iOS devices, and Android.Metascore gave it an 85 out of 100, and the average user rating was 8.3 out of 10. Currently, the price is set at $19.99 for a season pass (Amazon) for PS4. Rated M.
TechPage by CeeCee Davis
Tech Review
GoPro HERO4 Cameras
This week, GoPro unveiled the newest of their models: HERO4 Cameras. Advancing further again into the world of cinematography, the new cameras include live feeds, new angles, and LiveVR. LiveVR combines the use of the two lenses and the streaming of the live feed to simulate a sense of virtual reality. This gives the viewers the options to see an angle from the camera as if they themselves were doing this. Currently, GoPro has not released the prices of these cameras.
App Review
Dark Sky
With unpredictable rain always at our doorstep (What’s good, El Nino?), it can get pretty annoying not knowing whether or not we’ll need an umbrella. The Weather Channel and App aren’t exactly reliable or accurate, but they do provide some insight. However, now there’s a new app that can tell you exactly when and where it’s going to rain - down to the minute even. No more going in for Starbucks and leaving your umbrella in the car because the sky seems clear, only having to run back with a napkin over your head. Now, you’ll always know if you need a hood on your jacket, an umbrella, or closed-toe shoes. That party you were planning on the day that rain was forecasted in your town? Now you can see exactly where it will rain (hopefully not in your backyard), and if the rain will be gone by the time it starts, and exactly when to move it back inside, so you can get as much use out of that fire pit as possible (Hello, s’mores!). No more scrambling to pick up your belongings in the rain! For anyone who actually leaves their house, this app is a must have. Currently, it’s $3.99, and I would say it’s worth every penny.
How to Survive in Jamaica
By: Kingston P.
So, ya be thinkin Jamaican be a accent? Ha, yuh be a wrong!
(Translation: So, you think Jamaican is an accent? You are wrong)
Yes, that’s right, folks. Jamaican isn’t an accent. Jamaican Patois is it’s own language! While taking influences from African languages and French,
Want to see some? Hold on to your Ed Tap. . . this is going to be a wild ride.
You can’t just walk around speaking English, unless you want to be seen as Fuul Fuul. First thing I should tell you is the first thing I learned: Double-ups. These are words that are leftover from African.
Chaka Chaka - Being untidy
Fengke Fengke - When someone or something is weak
Chamba Chamba - to get hurt or bruised
Laba Laba - When someone is talkative
Pyaka Pyaka - When something is soggy
Fuul Fuul -A little disrespectful, this term means dumb
Nyami Nyami - This describes a person who eats without thinking of the consequences
Oh, and one more. Dege Dege, which means one.
If you are to go to Jamaica, or just want to be a good person, Don’t be a Butu.
A Butu is someone who is not socially refined.
So, picture this: You ask your mom if you can go to the park. She tells you “Yuh must be home at 7.” So you are on your way. You have fun, but after what seems like 5 minutes, you glance at the time: 8:30!!! You run home, and when you get there, guess what your mom says?
“DAAG NAM YE SOPPA!!”
This translates to “Dog eat your soup!” Which is a way to chastize someone in Jamaican Patois.
Trinidadian Patois and Jamaican Patois are often thought to be the same, but oh no, that is not the case. Here are some phrases that differ from Da Trini (The Trinidadian) and Da Jama (The Jamaican*)
(*Only few say Jama.)
See? They are quite different. Make sure to watch your mouth when talking to a Trini.
Say you are talking to a Trinidadian, and they get sad. Jamaicans would say Hush, Which means “I am here for you” or “It’s Okay” in Jamaican Patois. But the Trinidadian would get very upset. This is because Hush means “Shut up” or “Be quiet, I don’t care” in Trinidadian Patois.
Say yuh be talkin to a trini, n dey be sad. Jamaicans say “Hush”, meaning “I be here for you” or “s’okay*” in Jamaican. But da Trini wud get red in de yai. Dis cause “Hush” means “Shut up” or “I don’t care” in Trini.
See how important that is?
(*In Jamaica, they say S’okay or S’kay)
…
Oh, you must be curious as to what Yai means. Well, keep reading the list on the left.
Okay, so after that LONG list, here are some extra phrases I left out.
Wey y’at - Where are you?
I been on da/de lok foyuh - I’ve been looking for you
