While this attire is only worn today for performances, it is made to resemble that which was typically worn in 18th century Jamaica, as a sort of tribute to the island's history. What are Traditional Daily Attire for Women and Men?
We say Mon/Man on a whole. Yes, they really say “yeah mon” (North American interpretation) or “yeah man” (UK/Euro interpretation). I am a non-Jamaican who has lived here a little more than five years.
Learning a few Jamaican sayings will help you interact with local people and have more positive experiences as you travel. Even if you learn the customary way to talk about simple things, like ordering from a menu, it can go a long way. The idea is not to master the local language so you can speak it fluently.
Impress locals with this Jamaican expression that is often used when greeting a friend. “What are you up to?” is what the phrase means, and when you meet a local relaxing in the same all-inclusive resort you’re in, it’s what you might want to say.