Meaning
A homophobic slur for a gay man — one of the most common anti-gay slurs in Jamaican speech, literally 'backside man' (from 'batty', backside). It is a hateful, demeaning term, notorious from a strain of violently anti-gay dancehall lyrics that have drawn international condemnation and bans. Documented here strictly to explain its meaning, not to endorse it.
Examples
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It is a slur — a hostile, dehumanising word for a gay man.
It is a slur — a hostile, dehumanising word for a gay man.
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Songs using it have been banned and widely condemned.
Songs using it have been banned and widely condemned.
Origin
From 'batty' (backside, from 'bottom') plus 'man'; 'batty bwoy' is a common variant. Central to the anti-gay 'murder music' controversy in dancehall.
How it’s used
Documentation only, never endorsement. A hate slur; its use is offensive, harmful, and widely condemned. Understanding it helps outsiders recognise hostile speech.