Meaning
A cousin — but in Jamaica's wide, extended families the term stretches far, covering distant relatives and even close family friends who are 'like cousin'. Often shortened to 'cuz' as a friendly address. In tight-knit communities, half the district might be 'cousin' to each other.
Examples
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Him a mi cousin from mi madda side.
He's my cousin on my mother's side.
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Wah gwaan, cuz?
What's up, cuz?
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Everybody inna di district a cousin.
Everybody in the district is cousin to each other.
Origin
From 'cousin', stretched in Jamaican usage to distant kin and near-family; 'cuz' is a friendly short form.
How it’s used
A cousin, broadly (incl. distant kin/close friends); 'cuz' as address. Compare 'fambly', 'bredren'.