• Mother and daughter hugging each other

    Martinique Creole expressions

Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a vibrant mosaic. The legacy of the Amerindians was joined by the dialects of French colonists, West Africans, and later coolies from India and China. Creole expressions, some of which have existed for centuries, have enriched the language and become fully integrated into the local culture, lifestyle, and linguistics. Click on the title to read the translation and explanation.a vibrant



It's chopping off your fingers

Expression to describe a dish so appetizing that you could bite your fingers.

Please

Expression meaning Please.

Bad luck

The word tjenbwa comes from the phrase tiens, bois (hold, drink in English) which is said to patients when they are given medication. So from medicine, we went to magic potion and so to tjenbwa (in local Creole).

Note that the word has been francized and you will also hear the word "quimbois".

Well!

Expression to show astonishment, surprise or weariness.

"Woyoyoy! fout ou ka mangé" means "Well! Fiche que vous mangez beaucoup."
"Woyoyoy! ou ka mété mwen an pwoblem" means "Oh boy! You're causing me trouble."

One two

"Yonn-dé" means a few.

"Man ni yonn-dé cous pou man fè" means, "I have a few errands to run".