Meaning
A watchman or security guard — the man who keeps watch over a premises, gate, building site, or business, especially through the night. An affectionate, everyday term for this familiar figure who sits with a flashlight and often a dog, guarding property till morning.
Examples
-
Di watchie sit a di gate whole night.
The watchman sits at the gate all night.
-
Tell di watchie fi open di gate.
Tell the security guard to open the gate.
-
Di watchie an him dog guard di yaad.
The watchman and his dog guard the premises.
Origin
From 'watch' + the Jamaican '-ie' diminutive; a familiar term for a watchman. See [[yard-dog]], [[gate]].
How it’s used
A watchman/night security guard; often paired with a yard-dog. See [[yard-dog]], [[gate]].