Meaning
The state of being 'somebody' — dignity, self-worth, and standing as a person who matters. Built from 'smaddy' (somebody), it names the deep human need to be recognised and respected as a person of value, a theme running through Jamaica's history of struggle against being treated as nobody.
Examples
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Every man want him smaddiness recognise.
Every person wants their dignity recognised.
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Education gi di youth dem a sense a smaddiness.
Education gives the young people a sense of self-worth.
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Dem fight fi dem smaddiness an respect.
They fought for their dignity and respect.
Origin
From 'smaddy' (somebody) plus '-ness'; a distinctly Jamaican abstract noun for personhood, dignity, and worth. Discussed by scholars of Jamaican identity.
How it’s used
Dignity/self-worth/being a person who counts. A meaningful word in discussions of Jamaican identity. See [[smaddy]].