Country
Also spelled: contry, a country
Meaning
The rural areas of Jamaica, away from Kingston and the coastal towns — the countryside where farming, deep tradition and a slower pace of life are found. To go 'a country' is to head to the rural parishes.
Examples
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“Mi a go a country fi di weekend.”
I'm going to the countryside for the weekend.
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“Him grow up a country an move a town.”
He grew up in the country and moved to the city.
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“Country food fresh an sweet.”
Country food is fresh and delicious.
Origin
From English 'country' in the sense of countryside; in Jamaica it specifically names the rural interior as opposed to the urban centres.
How it's used
Said 'a country' (to the country). Carries warm associations of roots, family land and tradition, but sometimes teasing ones of being unsophisticated.