Meaning
Serious grown-man business — a matter handled properly, seriously, and with the maturity and respect of a real adult. Used to stress that something is being done right, above board, and as a responsible man should, 'big man ting' can affirm the weight of a matter or seal a promise, roughly 'on my word as a grown man'. It carries the whole Jamaican value placed on being a proper 'big man', and to say a thing is 'big man ting' is to vouch that it is genuine, dignified, and to be taken seriously.
Examples
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Mi nah joke — big man ting, mi a go pay yuh back Friday.
I'm not joking — on my word as a grown man, I'll pay you back Friday.
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Wi handle di business proper; a big man ting dat.
We handled the business properly; that's serious grown-man work.
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Respect di elders — big man ting run tings roun yah.
Respect the elders — mature grown-man conduct rules around here.
Origin
Literally 'big man thing' — a 'big man' being a grown, respected adult male; the phrase marks a matter as serious, mature, and honourably handled.
How it’s used
Used to stress seriousness and integrity, or to seal a promise on one's honour as a grown man.