Quashie

noun QUA-shie ˈkwaʃi mild

Also spelled kwashie, quashy

Originally an Akan day-name (Kwasi, a boy born on Sunday), extremely common among enslaved Africans, so that 'Quashie' became a generic name for the Black countryman — and, in colonial and prejudiced usage, a stereotype of a simple, gullible peasant or fool. It is a historically loaded word: a proud African-heritage name turned, through slavery and class prejudice, into a put-down for a rustic simpleton.

  • Dem tek him fi a Quashie, but him sharp.

    They took him for a country simpleton, but he's sharp.

  • 'Quashie' come from a African day-name.

    'Quashie' comes from an African day-name.

  • Nuh badda play mi fi Quashie.

    Don't try to make a fool of me.

From Akan 'Kwasi' (Sunday-born male day-name), ubiquitous in slavery; it hardened into a colonial stereotype of the gullible Black peasant. Compare 'Quaco' (Wednesday).

Historically loaded — an African day-name turned into a class/colour put-down for a 'country fool'. Document with care; can be demeaning. Compare [[if-yuh-cyaa-ketch-quaco-yuh-ketch-him-shut]].