Definition: (spelled "caan'") "Cannot. 'Ah caan' dwit.' I cannot do it."
Source: Page 18, Valls, Lito. What a Pistarckle! A Dictionary of Virgin Islands English Creole. St. John, USVI. 1981.
Definition: (spelled "caan'") "verb; can't, cannot, also don't. I caan' leave de house to go play, I unda punishment."
Source: Page 62, Roy, John D. A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, USVI. 1975.
See also: "cyan" for St. Croix pronunciation.

Definition: "verbal auxiliary; doesn't or can't. He caan' be does hear."
Source: Page 62, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: pronunciation for "cock." Can be slang for a man's penis.
Examples: "She cack up she bana [to dance]" = "She cocked up her rear end." "Dis man geh a big cack."
Source: Page 74, Sterns, Robin. Say it in Crucian! A Complete Guide to Today's Crucian for Speakers of Standard English. St. Croix: Antilles Press, 2008.
Added to by: La La, 2009.
See also: "cock up."

Definition: "knocking over; in context, playing much music well."
Example: from the poem "Manjack in the Hall")
"Old Year night
I lyming in the Hall
where Jamesy in a fight
with them Sleepless Knight
and we having a ball
while they cafooning quadrille
to bring in the new year."
Source: Williams, Marvin E. Dialogue at the Hearth. St. Croix: Antilles Press, 1993.
Definition: (Spelled "kafoon"). "To fall in a rather spectacular fashion. Capsize. Not used to describe an ordinary fall. In P.R. 'Escocotarse.' In Barbados 'Cuffum' = somersault. 2. To clout or knock down someone."
Source: Page 65, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: "Cafoon. verb; to knock down with a shove. Yo wan' me cafoon yo, no?"
Source: Page 62, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Alternative spellings: kafoon
Example: Bully and the Kafooners, St. Croix-based quelbe group. See them here.

Definition: pronunciation of "because."
Example: "I cyan go cah I sick bad, meson."
Alternative spellings: cu
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: literally "corn," used to refer to smoking marijuana.
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: "noun; a gourd that grows on trees. He bail out de boat wid he calabash."
Source: Page 62, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
See also: "gobi."

Definition: See "kallaloo."

Definition: "verb; to name or say: Brenda, I just call yo name. To express family relationship: He mus' call me uncle."
Source: Page 62, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "Songs, usually improvised. Originally from Trinidad, they are characterized by humorous, political or sexual themes. More than risque, they often border on the vulgar."
Source: Pages 19-20, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: "The exponents of calypso singing are called calypsonians. By long tradition they sing under assumed names, ranging from the fanciful, such as 'King Pharaoh,' 'Lord Executor' and 'Atilla the Hun,' to the deprecatory 'Chalkdust,' 'Short Shirt,' 'Crazy' and the like."
Source: Page 32, Dyde, Brian. Caribbean Companion: The A to Z Reference. London: MacMillan Press, 1993.

Definition: Pronounced KONkee. Another word for ducana. Ducana and saltfish are an Easter tradition in the islands. Ducana/canky is made of sweet potato and grated coconut.
Source: Jack Schouten, 2010
Definition: (Spelled "kanki"). "coconut, cornmeal, sweet potato, seasoned paste; rolled, tied and boiled in a banana leaf."
Source: Page 66, What a Pistarckle! 

Definition: Getting played.
Source: Monique, on Facebook, 2010.
Definition: Also "hard kyard." "to cheat on your spouse or lover."
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: (rhymes with "ear") - pronunciation for "care."
Example: "Me ain care!"
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: "The Virgin Islander cariso tradition is extinct in a true folk context, but remains an important symbol of Crucian culture, and is performed by folkloric ensembles for educational and holiday events. Carisos were still performed as late as the 1990s by several elderly singers, most famously Ethel McIntosh and Leona Watson. Though similar in some ways to quelbe, cariso is more African in its melodic style, frequent sustained syllables and traditional performance context, namely women singing in groups in call-and-response. Carisos, like quelbe, commemorate historical events, and spread news and opinions about important issues. One particularly famous cariso dates to 1848, and documents the emancipation of the slaves; the first segment is the refrain, sung by a chorus, which is followed by a verse performed by a soloist singer:
Clear the road, all you clear the road,
Clear the road, let the slave them pass,
We a go for a-we freedom."
Source: Olsen, Dale A. and Daniel E. Sheehy. "The Virgin Islands." Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Vol. 2: South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Routledge, 1998. 968–974. Cited on Wikipedia.
Definition: (spelled "kareso") "Native folk music precursor of the calypso. Probably from African, "Kai-so" = bravo, a shout of approval, used to praise a good singer."
Source: Page 66, What a Pistarckle! 

Definition: "cannot" or "can't."
Example: "She carn drive."
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: "To lead, or accompany someone. Not necessarily by a conveyance. 'Carry me to church wid yoh.' Take me (walk with me) to church."
Source: Page 20, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "verb; to take away from the speaker. Carry this down to yo Granny fo' me. See bring."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: Cardboard. "Carto - wha all dem boxes made out of."
Source: Carrie Ann, on Facebook, 2009.
Definition: "noun; materials of cartons or cardboard. Bring dat piece o' ca'to."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "A thorny tree (acacia farnesiana) [Not cashew]. Used for curing proud flesh. From Akan, 'Kase' = Thorn. Claimed to have been introduced from Senegal by cattle carrying seeds in stomach."
Source: Page 21, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "noun; thorn tree of the acacia family. Casha does have some big prickles to rip up yo skin."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: (Obsolete). "adjective; unpredictable. De boat moto' catapultic."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: (Spelled "ketch-an-keep"). "1. A thorny bush (Acacia riparia) so called because the leaves and stems 'catch on' to clothing. Also called Country policeman or Huug-me-close. Called 'Zarza' in P.R. In St. Barts, 'Amourette' = little love."
Source: Page 67, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "noun; a tough vine with thorns. De catch an' keep tea' up he shu't." = "The catch and keep tore up his shirt."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "Not up to par; not kosher. Something not quite right or in order is said to be 'not too cat'lik.' Used also in P.R.: 'Catolico.' Always used in the negative."
Source: Page 21, What a Pistarckle!

Definition: Used where a Standard English speaker might say (of a scammer) "take me for my money."
Example: "Das de friggin 3rd time dem same promoters catch me fo my money but not again!"
Posted by: doctropic, 2009.

Definition: (St. Croix) From the Spanish "Chavos," for money.
Example: "Carry plenty of chabos to Festival Village."
Posted by: doctropic, 2010.

Definition: A term used to denote members of the white French Catholic communities of St. Thomas (Frenchtown and Northside) originally immigrants from St. Barts, more often than not used in derogation. Sometimes in jest. Now frowned upon in favor of 'Frenchie.'"
Source: Page 22, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: "Cha-cha. A term used to denote poor white people of French descent."
Source: Page 6, Seamon, G.A. Virgin Islands Dictionary. St. Croix, USVI. 1968.

Definition: pronunciation for "charcoal," can refer to a dark-skinned Black person.
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: (St. Thomas) Pronunciation for "can't."
Example: "Ah chan di it." = "I can't do it."
Posted by: MZ AMC aka Ann-Marie Charles of Rock C T, 2010.

Definition: Pronunciation for "chop." "To inflict a wound. 'E chop me in me head.' He wounded me on the head. (1811 Dictionary - A blow.)
Source: Page 23, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: (spelled "chop") "verb; to strike or cut. Boy, yo don' leave me stay, I chop yo wid dis rockstone!"
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Example: "Someone 'chap' me with a stone when I was younger."
Source: Koren, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: "verb; to sweet talk. Da ol' styupid boy try to chat me down hea' de odda day."
Source: Page 63, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: slang for (1) "understand" ("ya check?") or (2) "check out/listen to/experience" ("Me gon check dis vibe", "Chek ya latah!")
Alternative spellings: chek
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!
Example: "i comin baq may ahyuh check me when i touch rock!" = "I'm returning to St. Thomas in May. Everyone look for me then!"
Source: Pedro, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: "Come here."
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: euphemism that substitutes for what might be a ruder expression of frustration.
Example:"Cyar registration line cyan done, meson. Cheese and bread!"
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "Phrase denoting disapproval or suprise. Gosh! For goodness sakes! Darn it. Probably introduced by missionaries as a substitute for taking the name of the Lord in vain."
Source: Page 23, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: (spelled "jeezum bread") "interjection; an exclamation similar to wow or oh boy. Jeezum bread, man! How yo manage da?"
Source: Page 75, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Definition: "Cheese-an'-bread. An exclamation, used to denote surprise."
Source: Page 6, Virgin Islands Dictionary.
Alternative spellings: geez an bred, geezumbread, jeez-um-bread
Definition: used to express "give me a break," "I can't believe this shit," "ah, damn," and my English favorite "oh my goodness."
Source: Julie, on Facebook, 2006.

Definition: Shards of glazed pottery, formerly used by children as playthings and now used by St. Croix jewelers like ib Designs and Crucian Gold to make jewelry. A quote from the Crucian Gold website: "All over the island you can find broken shards of china dating back to colonial times. Children would wear down the edges to make coin-shaped pieces for use as play money and gave them the Crucian vernacular name chaney. Crucian Gold skillfully sets these remnants of Delftware, Willow Ware and Flow Blue to make one-of-a-kind jewelry, each piece being a unique, microcosmic window to the past."
Alternative spellings: chainee (pages 22-23, What a Pistarckle! 

Definition: "Chi Chi Man, Anti Man, Faggit, Batty Man.... These are all words for a gay man. 'Look at this Chi Chi Man nuh! He gay scunt!'"
Source: Eboni, on Facebook, 2006.

Definition: Fried chicken.
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: a young woman only interested in young men for their money and nice cars.
Example: "I jus got a new whip and now all these chicken heads be sweatin me."
Source: Page 55, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: pronunciation of "children."
Alternative spellings: chi'ren, chirren
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!
Also: chi'ren dem.
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: to poke or stab.
Alternative spellings: jook
Source: Page 74, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "To puncture, jab, pierce, prod or prick. To receive an injection. Also said jook. 'De dacta chook me.' The doctor gave me an injection."
Source: Page 24, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: "verb; to prick, jab or prod. Gu'l, if yo chook mi wid da pin one mo' time, ah gon' poung yo good."
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Definition: "The Dutch word for the verb 'to strike' is 'schieten,' the past participle of which is geschoten. In this instance, however, the Dutch seem to lose its place as the root to the Spanish verb, chocar,' meaning to strike. Here, the transition from 'chocar' to 'chook' is more credible...."
Source: Derivations of the Cruzan Dialect: With Concentration on Specific Words, 1975(?), on reserve, University of the Virgin Islands libraries.
Definition: "To stick or prick. Also to fool."
Source: Page 6, Virgin Islands Dictionary.

See: "chap."

Definition: December 26, Boxing Day.
Posted by: doctropic, 2009.

Definition: See "trade winds."

Definition: like saying, "I see how you acting" or "I see how u treating me." "Nah man iz all good, I see how we chuckin it" or "Das how we chuckin it?"
Source: Kimberli, on Facebook, 2007.

Definition: Expression to indicate a great song.
Posted by: doctropic, 2010.

Definition: the act of pouting and sucking teeth simultaneously to express irritation or disagreement.
Example: "When my cellphone cut out ah chupse meh teeth and I keep goin."
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "The sound made by pouting and sucking one's teeth in a manner probably African in origin but which, among West Indians, has been elevated to a minor art form. It is used by both sexes of all ages from puberty onwards, and knows no social, class or colour barriers. It provides a distinctive, wordless and highly expressive way of indicating anything from extreme annoyance, through incredulous disbelief, disgust and indignation, to amused tolerance and self-reproach."
Source: Page 44, Caribbean Companion: The A to Z Reference.
Alternative spellings: add as many u's as you like = chuuupse, chuups

Definition: slang for "church"
Example: "Gots my locks twisted, bitchezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, lol, now ima look decent 4 churchizzle in da morn!!!"
See also: izzle
Posted by: Vanessa, 2009.

Definition: refers to a light-skinned Black person.
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: (spelled "clea'") "adjective; of light skinned complexion. Her sister ain' clea' as yoself."
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "noun or verb; a blow, or to strike with hand in a loose fist. Bus' 'im a clout!"
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Example: "Ah gon bus yo one clout!"
Source: I Love My Virgin Islands Accent group, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: pronunciation for "clown," used derisively.
Example: "Somebody tak to dis clung before he pickup some blows."
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: Old school cooking method, still useful for beach cooking and after hurricanes. "A small portable metal or clay stove, resembling a pot on a stand, that holds burning coal for cooking."
Source: Page 26, What a Pistarckle! 
Definition: "noun; a small iron vessel that holds burning coal for cooking and baking. Mi granmodda does make johnny cake in she coal pot."
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Example: "Mehson...ain' nuttin like a fry johnny cake and chicken leg in a coal pot...ooh, an fry fish!"
Source: Shaundra, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: Getting in the way of someone trying to get their groove on.
Example: "Mehson you duh cock block yah!"
Posted by: Fatty, 2009.

Example: "Gyul cack up she bana and swing it from lef to right. Boy, dem hatas was vex!" = "She started dancing very fetchingly, much to the dismay of those who were jealous of her."
Source: Excerpt from "Crucian Cinderella," page 28, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "verb; a way of relaxing by throwing up one's legs in the air or on something. Young lady, yo mus' learn to sit mo' propa and stop cocking up so."
Source: Page 64, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: an expression to mean problems on top of problems. Literally, cocobay = leprosy, from the Twi word "kokobe." "Yaws is a disease of tropical origin characterized by skin eruptions. Now used figuratively to denote a calamity."
Source: Pages 19, 138, What a Pistarckle!
Example: "That's like cocobay pon yars."
Source: Alvera, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: "Hot chocolate drink usually flavored with cinnamon, orange peel or vanilla."
Source: Page 27, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "noun; hot chocolate or tea. I ain' too hungry, jus' gi' mi some coco tea an' biscuit."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: a swelling on the head caused by a hit.
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: The flesh of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) not yet hardened. The tree is considered one of the ten most useful trees in creation, offering food, clothing, drink, shelter and oil."
Source: Page 27, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "noun; the meat of the green coconut. Man, I love to eat de jelly from de coconut."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: Liquid obtained by grating and squeezing hard coconut flesh. Used for cooking and sauces."
Source: Page 27, What a Pistarckle!

Definition: (spelled "water") "Clear liquid found in coconuts. Gin and coconut water is considered by many an aphrodesiac."
Source: Page 27, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: (spelled "wata'") "noun; the clear liquid of the coconut. Mix me a gin an' coconut wata' dey, mi son!"
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Example: The group Baha Men had a 1992 hit song "Gin and Coconut Water (Jelly)." Or check out the 1957 version by - not kidding here - Robert Mitchum, on YouTube here.

Definition: "the act of defecation, or feces (commonly used by children)."
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2009.
Alternate spelling: "cu cu."
Source: Page 7, Virgin Islands Dictionary.

Definition: to beat thoroughly, as in a game.
Example: "The Yankees comb the Red Sox four straight!"
Source: Ronnie Lockhart, on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: (St. Thomas/St. John) "Come here." To ask a person to come here.
Posted by: doctropic, 2010.

"cum yah."

Definition: (St. Croix) "Come here." To ask a person to come here.
Posted by: Yáminah89, 2009.

Definition: trouble.
Source: You Know U From the Virgin Islands When U Speak This Language, on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: rude slang for "vagina."
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: someone from the United States.
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "A North American from U.S. or Canada, black or white, resident or visitor. This is an old term found in newspapers even during the Danish regime."
Source: Page 28, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: noun; denotes North American, black or white. A lot a Continentals does come down hea' fo vacation."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "verb; to sit at one's ease, especially on the veranda. Man, I goin' out on de po'ch to cool out."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "Straight black hair; said especially if the owner is Negroid."
Source: Page 29, What a Pistarckle!
Example: "ah u hard back muddascunt on st. croix so ugly unless u ga cooly hair."
Source: Avanelle, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: relaxing, doing just fine.
Example: "I jus deh ya coolin."
Alternative spellings: koolin
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: staring at, observing closely, "checking out."
Examples: "He wah coopin she." "Leh we go coop dem lock-up dudes by Club Passion."
Source: Pages 18, 75, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "To spy. Usually, to follow another's actions stealthily. 'De teacher been coopin' me.' The teacher has been keeping an eye on me.
Source: Page 29, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "verb; to spy. I been coopin' 'im all day bu' he won' make a move."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: (KOHpa), slang abbreviation of the adjective "copasetic," to mean "everything is fine, cool"
Source: Andrea, on Facebook, 2007.

Definition: "adjective; constipated. If yo eat dem sou'a kenep, yo gon' ge' cork up." = "if you eat those sour genips, you're going to get constipated."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: Trash, junk, valueless items.
Example: "Where da paraman goin wit' all da carotle?"
Source: Ronnie Lockhart, on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: Literally, "could have." Often used in front of the present tense of a verb to indicate past tense.
Posted by: doctropic, 2010.
Example: (referring to the aftermath of Hurrican Hugo) "u right bout not one leaf being on the trees, u coulda see straight through all the bush.""
Source: Crucian, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: St. Thomas equivalent of the Crucian "goat foot woman" (see that entry).
Example: "i remember going behind TuTu school to pick kenep and people woud scream out missun ahyo here pickin' kenep Cowfoot Lady coming... everybody would scatter. I remember the stories about her as well; including the time they say she took a taxi down fourwinds and the taxi man keep looking back at her foot them that were sticking outward; finally he look back to ask her wa kinda foot them was and she had disappeared...and there was a five dollar bill sitting in the seat."
Source: Seen on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: expression from Stateside urban slang to refer to a person who is addicted to crack cocaine.
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: A toad (Bufo marinus), from French, "Crapaud" = a toad..
Source: Page 31, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "noun; a bullfrog or an awkward or left-handed person. Afta a long rain, yo could fin' de crapo dem all 'long de road."
Source: Page 66, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Example: "After [Hurricane] David they had nuff crapo in the yard in Bovoni."
Source: Theodore, on Facebook, 2010.
Example: "Someone said this to me last week,...If you don't file your taxes by 04/15/2010......"crappo smoke your pipe," meaning you are out of luck!
Source: Bertha, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: from urban slang, refers to one's domicile.
Example: "I jus came from the crib."
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: (1) very nice, perfect, ideal ("Dat ride so new dah ting still lookin cris, de man"). (2) can refer to a great sense of satisfaction ("After I see her I was feelin crist.")
Alternative spellings: kris, kriss, crist
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: Lame, crooked, askew.
Example: "Dat bwoy built some shelf, but dey crookedy."
Source: Ronnie Lockhart, on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands ("Crucian kallaloo") or a person born on the island. Some spell it "Cruzan"; others say "Cruzan refers to the rum, Crucian to the people." Sometimes pronounced more toward the "zh," as in "measure" or "azure"; sometimes more toward "sh," as in "sure." Never pronounced "z" as in "cruising."
Source: Page 75, Say it in Crucian!
Example: "Cru-shan brehd ahn foongie fehd!!!!Cru-shan ahl dih way!!!!"
Source: Wayne, on Facebook, 2009.
Alternate spelling: "Cruzian."
Source: Page 7, Virgin Islands Dictionary.

Definition: to be "on Crucian time" is to be late, often shockingly late (according to Stateside standards.) Certain events, like the annual Crucian Christmas Festival parade, are famous for starting several hours late.
Source: Page 55, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: from Stateside slang, to have a passing infatuation for, a "crush."
Example: "I could tell she was crushing on me."
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: from Stateside slang, a portmanteau word meaning crazy + drunk.
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: pronounced CROOZ, nickname for St. Croix, from "Santa Cruz."
Example: "Yoh back in Cruz?"
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!
Example: "I is proud to be from cruz de man!"
Source: Del, on Facebook, 2009.

Definition: adapted from "Ebonics," Stateside term for African-American speech patterns. Used to refer to "youth Crucian" (as used by young people today.)
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: Pronunciation for "because."
See also: kaa

Definition: "[also Trinidad] a fool."
Source: Williams, Marvin E. Dialogue at the Hearth. St. Croix: Antilles Press, 1993.
Definition: (spelled "coonoomoonoo"). "Stupid person."
Example: "'Pay 'e no mind. 'e's a coonoomoonoo.' Pay him no attention. He's stupid.".
Source: Page 29, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: (spelled "kunumunu"). "noun; a stupid person. He is a real kunumunu."
Source: Page 76, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Note: In his Dictionary of Carribean English Usage, Richard Alsopp discusses this term, spelled "kunu-munu," suggesting it should be compared with two African language words: the Yoruba word "kunun," which means "bashful, lacking self-confidence," and the Krio word "Mun[reverse c], which means "fool, stupid person." Alsopp speculates the two words may have been combined in Caribbean Creole. Source: p. 335, Alsopp, Richard. Dictionary of Caribbean English. Jamaica: University of the West Indies Press, 1996.

Definition: used when Standard English speakers would say "electricity" or "power."
Example: "WAPA cut de current." = "The V.I. Water and Power Auithority cut the power to my house.")
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: To curse, use profanity.
Example: "She cus them out for she picknee them."
Posted by: Yáminah89, 2009.

Definition: A whipping/spanking, as from a parent.
Example: "Deh need a good cut assing."
Source: I Love my Virgin Islands Accent, on Facebook, 2010.
Definition: "to be punished with a beating, usually by parents."
Example: "Come here! I goin' cut yo ass fo dat deh!."
Posted by: Shaundra M., on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: "a mean or disdainful look."
Source: Page 22, Say it in Crucian!
Definition: "To stare at a person with disdain or suspicion accompanied with tossing the head sideways, or sidewise glance. St. Lucia patois, "Couper yeux" = scornful look. (1811 Dictionary - to look out the corners of one's eyes.)
Source: Page 33, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: "verb; to insult indirectly by looking at a person from a sharp angle. I ain' know wha' it is I do da gu'l but she cuttin' eye at me all de time."
Source: Page 66, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "acting snobbish, refusing to flirt back."
Source: Page 18, Say it in Crucian!
See: "pop style" for a meaning similar to the definition below.
Definition: "adjective; smartly dressed. I see you cuttin' style."
Source: Page 66, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: "noun; mashete. I goin fo' mi cutlash to chop down dese disgustin' weed."
Source: Page 66, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.

Definition: (spelled "kruchument"). "Equipment. Probably from French, 'Accoutrement' = Dress, trappings."
Source: Page 69, What a Pistarckle!
Definition: Pronounced kutremENS. "noun; baggage, equipment. Leave de cutrements out where yo find em."
Source: Page 65, A Brief Description and Dictionary of the Language Used in the Virgin Islands.
Definition: "From "ac·cou·ter·ment or ac·cou·tre·ment (-ktr-mnt, -tr-) n. 1. An accessory item of equipment or dress. Often used in the plural. 2. Military equipment other than uniforms and weapons. Often used in the plural. 3. accouterments or accoutrements Outward forms of recognition; trappings: cathedral ceilings, heated swimming pools, and other accoutrements signaling great wealth." "From Middle French accoustrement."
Sources: thefreedictionary.com, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2010.
See also: "valise."

Definition: Refers to actual cousins, or people you know. A term of familiarity.
Posted by: Yáminah89, 2009.

Definition: pronunciation of "cannot," "can't."
Examples: "She cyan reach in time," "I cyan stan deh gyul."
Alternative spellings: kyan
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

Definition: expression meaning endless supply or never ending.
Example: "At Carnival, deh food and libation cyan done."
Alternative spellings: caan done, can done
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!
Example: "lahd ih guhn bih sweet!!!!...QUELBE AT ITS BEST....MUSIC CYAN DUHN!!!"
Source: Bully, on Facebook, 2010.

Definition: (St. Croix) pronunciation for "car."
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!
Note: Historican Dr. Arnold Highfield notes that the large number of Irish on St. Croix, starting in the 1760s had an impact on some pronunciations in Crucian. "Cyar" for "car," "cyan" for "can't" and Cyart" for "cart" are pronunciations shared by parts of Ireland, particularly County Cavan. See Highfield, Arnold. "The Irish on St. Croix." Continuing the Legacy: St. Croix Landmarks Society 60th Anniversary magazine (2008): 24-26.

Definition: pronunciation for "cat."
Source: Page 76, Say it in Crucian!

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