Bredda
Also spelled: breda, brudda, bredah
Meaning
Brother, whether a literal male sibling or, more commonly in address, a fellow man treated with camaraderie. Broader than English 'brother' as it extends warmth to friends and strangers alike.
Examples
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“Mi bredda a come from foreign tomorrow.”
My brother is coming from abroad tomorrow.
Here 'bredda' means a literal sibling; 'foreign' means overseas.
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“Respect, mi bredda!”
Respect, my brother!
A common friendly greeting between men who may not be related.
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“Him a mi bredda from long time.”
He's been my close friend for a long time.
'from long time' means since way back; no copula before the time phrase.
Origin
From English 'brother', reshaped by Patois phonology which softens the 'th' and alters the vowel.
How it's used
Everyday and warm. 'Bredren' is often used for the plural or collective. Rastafari speakers favour 'bredren' and 'idren'. Using 'bredda' with strangers signals friendliness.