Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained #97
Yuh is ah Trini | "Ghee Dem"
I looked at this Triniglish terminology and immediately thought about 'giving them' because they have a similar sound when coming out of the mouth of a Trinidadian. However, in Trinidad and Tobago words may have different meanings from that which you may know as traditional English. The Trinidad English vernacular is fascinating and this phrase is an interesting one indeed. Let us delve into the mind of Mr. Trini and interpret how he perceives "Ghee Dem".
Of course if 'Yuh is ah Trini' this one should be easily understood, but for most people who hear this phrase for the first, second or even a third time it could be a very disconcerting situation indeed. So what are we talking about here. Well it could mean one of two things (generally) or as someone may deem significant enough to use the phrase. In most cases it all has to do with the circumstance that would entice the individual to say "Ghee Dem".
In the first case it is about receiving something from another person. It is in the act of giving something to another person that the term 'gee dem' will apply - "yuh gee dem some really ripe and sweet caimite". Talking about caimite, it has been years since I tasted that delicious fruit. So don't 'geeh dem' simply look for me and 'geeh meh' instead.
The second use of the term 'Ghee Dem' is the one of interest to me. This is the term that I like because it usually leads to serious Kankalang! To "geeh dem" is to verbally assault someone; and you know that is serious trouble but a situation that Trinidadians love to experience.
There is also another use of this term. Let's say that there is a fete and the music is 'slamming' to the point that there are people dancing, dingolaying and even wining on each other. Someone may see their friends having a good time, wining on somebody woman, or simply dancing to the sweet sound of 'Soca Music' and say to their friend.... "Ghee Dem" Pardna!
I guess you have noticed that Trinidadians coin phrases to use as they deem fit or as the 'damn well please'. This is the beauty of being a Trini! We express ourselves using an English Vernacular that is baffling to most outsiders but language that is appropriate and easily understood by the general populace. Maybe you too can coin a term that could one day become part of the local language - give it a try but remember to have a plausible explanation for your Trinididiom.
There is also another use of this term. Let's say that there is a fete and the music is 'slamming' to the point that there are people dancing, dingolaying and even wining on each other. Someone may see their friends having a good time, wining on somebody woman, or simply dancing to the sweet sound of 'Soca Music' and say to their friend.... "Ghee Dem" Pardna!
I guess you have noticed that Trinidadians coin phrases to use as they deem fit or as the 'damn well please'. This is the beauty of being a Trini! We express ourselves using an English Vernacular that is baffling to most outsiders but language that is appropriate and easily understood by the general populace. Maybe you too can coin a term that could one day become part of the local language - give it a try but remember to have a plausible explanation for your Trinididiom.