patois
Low to Mid-FrequencyFormal to neutral when used in linguistics or academic contexts. Can be neutral or slightly negative/patronizing in general usage.
Definition
Meaning
A non-standard regional dialect, especially one spoken by a lower social class, or a jargon specific to a particular group.
Can refer to the distinctive, often unwritten, linguistic variety of a community, particularly in post-colonial contexts (e.g., Jamaican Patois), and more broadly to any specialized or informal language that is difficult for outsiders to understand.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically carried a pejorative connotation of being a "corrupt" or "inferior" form of a standard language. In modern contexts, it is often reappropriated as a neutral or positive term of identity, especially for Caribbean creoles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties. It may be more commonly encountered in British English due to direct historical ties with Caribbean nations where the term is used.
Connotations
Potential for the same historical pejorative connotation in both varieties. Neutral/technical use is equally valid.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, but remains a low-frequency word in general.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[speak/understand] + patoispatois + [of/from] + [place/group]adjective + patoisVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Only if referring to the specific jargon of an industry or company culture.
Academic
Common in linguistics, anthropology, and post-colonial studies.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing specific regional cultures or languages.
Technical
Specific technical term in sociolinguistics for a non-standard variety.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He speaks English and his local patois.
- The old fisherman used a patois that was difficult for tourists to understand.
- Linguists study Jamaican Patois as a complex creole language with its own grammatical rules.
- The novelist skilfully wove elements of rural patois into the dialogue to authenticate the characters' voices and social milieu.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PATriotic OISter fisherman from a remote village. He speaks a local PATOIS that sounds like a mix of old French and English to you, but it's his language.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A TOOL FOR GROUP IDENTITY (It functions as a marker of in-group membership and cultural heritage).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as "жаргон" (jargon) or "сленг" (slang) in all contexts, as patois implies a more complete, historically grounded dialectal system.
- Avoid the direct calque "говор" (govor) as it lacks the specific sociohistorical connotations.
- The closest but imperfect translation is "местный диалект" (mestny dialekt) or "патуа" (patua, a direct borrowing).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈpeɪtɔɪs/ or /pəˈtɔɪs/.
- Using it interchangeably with 'accent'. An accent is about pronunciation; a patois involves distinct vocabulary and grammar.
- Using it in a dismissive or pejorative way without awareness of its loaded history.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of the word 'patois' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Slang is informal vocabulary within a language. A patois is a more comprehensive linguistic system with its own distinct grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, often developing in situations of language contact.
It depends on context and intent. Within Jamaica and among linguists, 'Jamaican Patois' or 'Patwa' is a standard, neutral term. However, used by an outsider in a dismissive way (e.g., 'It's just broken English patois'), it can be offensive. 'Jamaican Creole' is a more formal, academic alternative.
No, 'patois' is solely a noun in standard English usage.
It comes from Old French 'patois' meaning 'rough speech' or 'local dialect,' itself possibly derived from a root meaning 'to handle clumsily' or 'to paw.' Its etymology reflects its historically low-prestige origins.