One of the most interesting aspects of our cultural heritage is the way we speak. We have created a new dictionary category, a list of words and phrases that I like to refer to as Triniglish. This method of expression, our Trini vernacular is unique and can confuse the outsider trying to understand this Creole language. As a result of this 'potpourri of words and phrases', blank expressions or confusion and amazement can be seen on the faces of tourists visiting the homeland.
At the same time this 'babash of words' (I have a feeling that this is how many of the words came about) flows sweetly from the tongues of 'We Trinis' and is easily understood by the local populace. Just like our Carnival celebration that is filled with color so too our language if full of vitality and 'colorful expressions' that leaves many persons bewildered at times. A case in point is the term "In Yuh Pwefen". I don't have a clue how this phrase originated but it is used casually by the general public to describe a situation or tease by adding emphasis to anchor a point of view. Most of the time, it simply sounds good to say but in general may be more in keeping with a "take that" scenario. As an example, take a soccer game in which the local team was victorious. It would be fitting to say, "We give dem five in dey pwefen" - simple explanation we won by five goals/we scored five goals and won.
One of the radio stations in Trinidad (WACK radio 90.1FM) has a show on the pan art form named "Pan in Yuh Pwefen" and the interesting thing about this show is that they attempted to explain the term "In Yuh Pwefen" (by way of an advertisement) but were unable to truly say what they believe it meant on air. Well I can in this blog and it is also something that is a customary utterance by many Trinidadians. The expression "take dat in yuh arse" basically means the same thing. Now don't misunderstand the term because it does not sound presentable (and it is surely a street term) but it is said with a little jest and teasing but it is all said with good intentions.
So "In Yuh Pwefen" sounds sweet and rolls of the Trini tongue like sweet cadence to a popular song but always remember it is said with good intentions. The person who is overtaken with joy, the person who just won a bet, the person whose Pan Side just won the competition (Pan here refers to the steel pan and can also be applied to the steel pan orchestra) in his or her exuberance can tease with "Take Dat In Yuh Pwefen".
This is my take on "in yuh pwefen". You might interpret it differently and I will be delighted to read your comments here. As a Trinidadian I have come to realize that we use many terms that cannot be sourced on the Internet or found in a book but is in general use today. Just look up "in yuh pwefen" and see if you can find a definitive explanation for the term. If you do, please forward the link to me... I tried but came up empty.
At the same time this 'babash of words' (I have a feeling that this is how many of the words came about) flows sweetly from the tongues of 'We Trinis' and is easily understood by the local populace. Just like our Carnival celebration that is filled with color so too our language if full of vitality and 'colorful expressions' that leaves many persons bewildered at times. A case in point is the term "In Yuh Pwefen". I don't have a clue how this phrase originated but it is used casually by the general public to describe a situation or tease by adding emphasis to anchor a point of view. Most of the time, it simply sounds good to say but in general may be more in keeping with a "take that" scenario. As an example, take a soccer game in which the local team was victorious. It would be fitting to say, "We give dem five in dey pwefen" - simple explanation we won by five goals/we scored five goals and won.
One of the radio stations in Trinidad (WACK radio 90.1FM) has a show on the pan art form named "Pan in Yuh Pwefen" and the interesting thing about this show is that they attempted to explain the term "In Yuh Pwefen" (by way of an advertisement) but were unable to truly say what they believe it meant on air. Well I can in this blog and it is also something that is a customary utterance by many Trinidadians. The expression "take dat in yuh arse" basically means the same thing. Now don't misunderstand the term because it does not sound presentable (and it is surely a street term) but it is said with a little jest and teasing but it is all said with good intentions.
So "In Yuh Pwefen" sounds sweet and rolls of the Trini tongue like sweet cadence to a popular song but always remember it is said with good intentions. The person who is overtaken with joy, the person who just won a bet, the person whose Pan Side just won the competition (Pan here refers to the steel pan and can also be applied to the steel pan orchestra) in his or her exuberance can tease with "Take Dat In Yuh Pwefen".
This is my take on "in yuh pwefen". You might interpret it differently and I will be delighted to read your comments here. As a Trinidadian I have come to realize that we use many terms that cannot be sourced on the Internet or found in a book but is in general use today. Just look up "in yuh pwefen" and see if you can find a definitive explanation for the term. If you do, please forward the link to me... I tried but came up empty.
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