PICKNEY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "pickney" is a noun that originated in Jamaican Patois, also known as Jamaican Creole. It refers to a child, specifically a young boy or girl. This term is commonly used within the Jamaican community to describe a child, regardless of their gender.
In Jamaican Patois, "pickney" is derived from the English word "piccaninny," which was used during colonial times to refer to a small child or a young slave. Over time, the term evolved and adapted into the Jamaican dialect, adopting its own unique spelling and pronunciation.
The usage of "pickney" is not limited to the Jamaican dialect; it has also permeated other Caribbean countries that share similar linguistic and cultural roots. Additionally, due to Jamaican diaspora, the term has spread to other English-speaking countries where Jamaican communities exist.
The term "pickney" carries a sense of endearment and familiarity within the Jamaican community, emphasizing the importance of kinship and family. It is often used in a colloquial manner and can be used to refer to a single child or a group of children. For example, one might say, "Mi pickney dem good," meaning "My children are well-behaved." "Pickney" is a versatile word that captures the essence of childhood, invoking a sense of care and compassion that extends beyond the boundaries of the Jamaican culture.
Etymology of PICKNEY
The word "pickney" originates from Jamaican Patois, which is an English-based Creole language spoken in Jamaica. It is derived from the English word "piccaninny" or "pickaninny", which originally referred to a small child, particularly a black child, during the time of slavery and colonialism. The English term itself has roots in the Portuguese word "pequenino", meaning "tiny" or "little". Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of "piccaninny" changed in Jamaican Patois, resulting in the word "pickney" that is commonly used today in Jamaican Creole to refer to a child.
Similar spelling words for PICKNEY
