What Does Wagwan Mean?

The words ‘wagwan’ and ‘wassup’ are two expressions that have become synonymous with Caribbean culture, but many people are still perplexed about their meanings. “Wagwan”, for example, is an expression that originated in Jamaica, and has popping up more and more in conversation.

A Brief History of the Phrase

The exact origin of the phrase is a bit of a mystery, but it is believed to be a variation of the old colloquial English expression “What Gwan?” This was a greeting used by Jamaican Maroons, which were African slaves who escaped slavery in the 18th century. The expression “What Gwan?” or “Wagwan” became popular with young people in the 90s and 2000s in Jamaica and there are also some variations such as “Wha dem a gwarn” and “Wha a gwarn” which come from Patois (Jamaica’s unofficial dialect).

Understanding the Meaning of the Phrase

When someone says “wagwan”, they are asking “what’s going on?”. It is an elevated way of saying “hi” or “what’s up”. It is very similar to the phrase “what’s going on”, but without specific terms and just more of a casual greeting. It can also be used to say “how are you?”. The phrase is a staple of Caribbean culture and is often used in social settings, especially in Jamaica.

What to Say in Response

If someone greets you with the phrase “wagwan,” the appropriate response would be to reply with a very positive response. A simple “good” or “great” will do the trick, or you could also say “alright” or “not bad”, depending on how you’re feeling that day. If you want to be more enthusiastic, you could say “wicked” or “cool” or even “awesome”.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you hear someone say “wagwan”, you’ll know exactly what they mean and how to respond appropriately. The phrase is growing in popularity and is likely to become more and more common in the Caribbean. So why not learn the phrase and spread its fame far and wide!