Meaning
A traditional Jamaican children's street game like dodgeball, played with a ball made from stuffed juice boxes or cloth. Two throwers on either end try to hit the players in the middle, who dodge and duck to stay 'in'. A staple of schoolyard and street play.
Examples
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After school wi play dandy shandy inna di lane.
After school we play dandy shandy in the lane.
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Dodge di ball or yuh out inna dandy shandy.
Dodge the ball or you're out in dandy shandy.
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Dem mek di dandy shandy ball outta juice box.
They made the dandy shandy ball out of juice boxes.
Origin
A long-established Jamaican children's game; the playful name is of uncertain origin. Celebrated in the song 'Dandy Shandy'.
How it’s used
A classic children's dodgeball-style street game, deeply nostalgic for many Jamaicans.