Meaning
The feeling, energy, or atmosphere of a place, person, or moment — the whole mood of a thing. 'Nice vibes' means a good, warm atmosphere and spirit; 'bad vibes' the opposite, a sour or uneasy feeling. As a verb, to 'vibes' with someone is to connect, get on, and feel at ease with them, and to 'keep good vibes' is to hold a positive, upful spirit. Central to reggae and everyday Jamaican life, the word names the intangible energy of a situation, and reading and keeping the right vibes is a real art of the culture.
Examples
-
Di party have nice vibes.
The party has a good atmosphere.
-
Mi get bad vibes from dat place.
I get a bad feeling from that place.
-
Wi a vibes good together.
We're getting on really well together.
Origin
From English 'vibrations', shortened to 'vibes'; the word spread worldwide from Jamaican and Rastafari use, where 'vibration' carries spiritual weight.
How it’s used
Everyday and central — Jamaicans read the 'vibes' of everything. To 'hol a vibes' is to relax and enjoy the good energy.