wagwan

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Jamaican Creole wah gwan (literally “wha’ goi’ on”), a modified form of English what's going on.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /wɑːˈɡwɑːn/
  • Rhymes: -ɑːn

Interjection

wagwan

  1. (Jamaica, MLE, MTE, slang) A greeting, equivalent to what's up or what's happening.
    • 2024 June 3, “Wah Gwan Delilah” (3:32 from the start)‎[1]performed by Snowd4y ft. Drake:
      Wah gwan, Sabrina, what's it like in Mississauga? / I know you stay at home wit' momma / So can you bless me with a dollar? Don't be rude

Usage notes

  • It is used throughout the Jamaican diaspora, including in hip-hop culture and by reggae music fans. The standard response is nagwan / nuttin nah gwaan (“nothing is going on”).

Alternative forms

References

  • Peckham, Aaron (2007). Mo' Urban Dictionary: Ridonkulous Street Slang Defined, page 223.

Further reading

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