Travel Vocab
I've run across some interesting words, phrases, and slag terminology as I travel through (and meet people from) different regions of the world. Below is a growing collection of some of the more memorable encounters.
- Candlefly: A firefly, lightning bug.
First encountered in the Caribbean (St. Vincent). - Chiller / Chilla: A refrigerator.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Tobago). - Dip Shower: The use of a bucket of water with a cup to wash yourself.
First encountered in Thailand. - Dixie: A white person from the U.S. (negative connotation).
First encountered in the Caribbean (Grenada). - Gap Year: A reference to the year many young British take (before entering college) to travel abroad.
First encountered in Thailand. - Lime: An action—to hang out, chill, unwind, socialize. AKA: Liming.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Tobago). - No-see-ums: Generic term used to describe tiny, ferocious biting insects, often living near water, with a seemingly insatiable thirst for blood. Lower extremities often fall victim to their attacks.
First encountered in Thailand. - Rasta Man / Ras: A Rastafarian.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Tobago). - Sleeping Policeman: A speed bump.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Bequia). - Television English: When someone speaks well articulated English without an accent.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Tobago). - Yachtie: A yacht owner; a rich white person. AKA: Cruiser.
First encountered in the Caribbean (Trinidad).
