Actually, wah gwaan were the first 2 words of Jamaican Patois I ever heard. It means 'What's going on?' or 'How are you?' in the Rastafari language too. So, I did some research on other words that Rastafarians use, and here are 23 words and phrases that Rastas speak.
23 Words and Phrases that Rastafarians speak.
Hail Up: A pretty simple word and this one means Hi or Hallo.
Give Thanks: Expressing your gratitude to someone or something.
Babylon: If you see a cop on the street, they are called Babylon. Also, the corrupt government has honoured the same name.
Jah Guide: If a Rastafarian tells you goodbye, this is what they say.
Weed Jam: A circle of herb-smoking people. So if you wanna smoke pot with friends at your place, this is a Weed Jam.
Blaze: The act of smoking Marijuana
Suru Board: We all have this one at home. A chopping board to cut and roll your weed.
Dinki Dough: If you translate it to Jamaican Patois, this will mean a funeral. For Rastas its just ganja.
Isis: For Western people its something different, but in the rasta culture it means praising someone.
Jah Bless: One of the easiest words I guess. Means God Bless you.
Politricks: The Rasta word for corrupt politics. You could read many tricks, that's correct.
Shitstem: Basically the same slang word as politricks. Against the corrupt government. Peter Tosh, famous Rastafarian, used this term the first.
Tam: If you visualize Bob Marley or many other rastas, the woollen hat on their head is called a Tam.
Ball Head: Refers to a Rastafari who doesn't have dreadlocks
Sistah: A female rasta, it is as simple as that. English translation from Jamaican Patois is also sister.
Vampaya: Refers to somebody who looks like a Rastafari but doesn't practise Rastafarianism.
Livity: Rastas live sober and one with nature. This is their Livity or way of living.
Irieshun: If you like somebody or something and you get that tinkling feeling.
Bag o Wire: Is basically a snitch or a betrayer. Don´t be this guy/gal.
Jah Jah: Jehovah, Jahweh, God - its al Jah Jah
Rasta: This one you probably used the most in your life. Its is a Rastafari who also lives by the rules of Rastafarianism.
Ital: We call is Biological. Rasta word for Bio is Ital. Untampered food is the future of mankind.
Earthsong: And I saved the best for last. This beautiful Rastafarian word means Birthday!
Now, I hope you learned some new words. If you do visit the beautiful Island of Jamaica, or you meet a Rasta anywhere else, you can now finally have a meaningful conversation.
