the slang

#12. Even when Belizeans aren't speaking in their crazy creole dialect, it can still be somewhat of a challenge to understand exactly what they're talking about. This is due in part to their accent, but mostly to the slang they use in their everyday vernacular. I think this is true of any new culture you experience, and it simply takes a little time to become acquainted with their speaking style. It's not difficult to pick up however, and I've found myself gradually gaining a few speaking habits from the locals. For your own Belizean education, below I have provided a list of common terms and phrases that will be necessary to learn should you ever head this way. 


English = Belizean:
to fall down = to "drop"
I did it = "I done do that"
correct? = "true?" (often used when looking for confirmation to something said)
to beat someone in a contest = to "win" them
leave it alone = "lef it lone"
when food tastes good = "that's nice"
to go straight (as in a direction) = "go more forward"
braids = "plaits"
to spill something = you "wet" something

The Derek Trucks Band

To put it simply, I love this band. They have everything you could ever want in music: funk, soul, rock, and blues. Derek Trucks is an incredible guitarist (and I am a sucker for the electric guitar), and his band never fails to impress (not to mention his wife Susan is downright amazing). They bring back the electric blues in a way that would make Stevie Ray proud, and a way that makes me the happiest person in the world every time I listen to them. This is southern rock at its finest, people. Each album gets better and better, although I might suggest starting with their latest (and simply fantastic) album Roadsongs. So bring a little funk to your day and turn on some Derek Trucks; you won't be sorry. 

"Little By Little" by The Derek Trucks Band at the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007