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Town

noun TONG taʊn

Also spelled: tung, a town

Meaning

The city — most often Kingston, the capital, as opposed to the rural 'country'. To go 'a town' is to head into the urban centre for business, shopping or opportunity.

Examples

  • “Mi haffi go a town fi run some business.”

    I have to go into the city to handle some business.

  • “Life a town fast.”

    City life is fast.

  • “Him move a town fi find work.”

    He moved to the city to find work.

Origin

From English 'town'; in Jamaica it typically refers to Kingston or the nearest large urban centre, standing in contrast to 'country'.

How it's used

Said 'a town'. Depending on region, 'town' may mean Kingston specifically or the closest big town.

Related words