Meaning
'Big tings a gwaan' — literally 'big things are happening', used to announce that good progress, success, or important events are underway in one's life. It signals optimism, ambition, and momentum, the sense of things moving in a positive, upward direction, and a person riding a wave of good fortune or hard-won achievement. Upbeat and confident, the phrase is both a report and a small boast, sharing the news that life is on the rise and something worthwhile is in motion.
Examples
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How yuh a keep? Big tings a gwaan, mi bredda!
How are you doing? Big things are happening, my brother!
A confident, upbeat reply to a greeting.
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Since im get di job, big tings a gwaan fi im.
Since he got the job, big things are happening for him.
'a' is the continuous marker; 'fi im' = for him.
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2024 a fi wi year, big tings a gwaan.
2024 is our year, big things are happening.
'a fi wi year' = is our year; expresses collective ambition.
Origin
Composed of English-derived words: 'big', 'tings' (things), 'gwaan' (going on). 'A' is the Patois progressive aspect marker, giving the ongoing sense.
How it’s used
Informal and positive, popular in dancehall culture and everyday hype talk. Often used boastfully or aspirationally, sometimes even when things aren't actually going well, as a projection of confidence.