Meaning
The American crocodile — the large reptile that lives in Jamaica's rivers, mangroves, and swamps, above all along the south coast and in the Black River morass. Confusingly, most Jamaicans call it the 'alligator', though the island has crocodiles and no true alligators; the crocodile even appears on the national coat of arms. Wary of it, country and river people warn children away from the water where 'alligator' lie, and it figures in stories and warnings.
Examples
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Alligator deh inna di Black River.
Crocodiles are in the Black River.
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Nuh bathe deh so, crocodile deh bout.
Don't bathe there, crocodiles are around.
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Di crocodile deh pon di coat of arms.
The crocodile is on the coat of arms.
Origin
From 'crocodile'; the American crocodile, locally called 'alligator'. See [[morass]], [[sea-cow]].
How it’s used
The American crocodile, commonly called 'alligator' in Jamaica. See [[morass]], [[sea-cow]].