Meaning
Besides one's male child, 'son' is a warm term of address for a younger man or boy — 'yes, son' or 'easy, son' hails a young fella with friendly, fatherly warmth. Elders and older men use it especially, and it signals affection, guidance, and a certain protective regard, claiming the younger person under a kindly, paternal wing. Alongside 'yute', 'bwoy', and 'youngstar', it is one of the ways an older man greets and names a younger one, carrying the tone of an elder speaking to one he looks out for.
Examples
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Easy, son, everyting a go be alright.
Take it easy, son, everything's going to be all right.
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Yes son, wah yuh a deal wid?
Yes son, what are you up to?
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Listen to di elders, mi son.
Listen to the elders, my son.
Origin
From 'son'; broadened into an affectionate, fatherly term of address for a younger man.
How it’s used
A warm address for a younger man/boy, esp. from elders. Compare 'youth', 'bredda', 'bossman'.