Slang

1. Sak pase?

   What's up?

   Usage

   Haiti's best-known casual greeting. Use it with friends and peers; with elders you have just met or at an official counter, use Bonjou instead

2. N ap boule

   We're getting by

   Usage

   The standard reply to "Sak pase?". Literally "we are burning", meaning "we are managing". Safe to say to anyone

3. Sa k ap fèt?

   What's happening?

   Usage

   An alternative to "Sak pase?" in the same situations; for friends and peers

4. Nou la

   We're here / hanging in there

   Usage

   Literally "we are here"; a modest answer to "how are things". Safe with anyone

5. Kenbe la

   Hang in there

   Usage

   Encouragement for someone having a hard time; the reply is "M ap kenbe". Use with friends and people you have got to know

6. Mezanmi!

   Oh my goodness!

   Usage

   Literally "my friends". An all-purpose exclamation for surprise, dismay or sympathy. Not coarse, so fine in any company

7. Woy!

   Wow!

   Usage

   A short cry of surprise, for use among friends. It can also hail someone at a distance, but do not shout it at strangers

8. Degaje pa peche

   Making do is no sin

   Usage

   One of Haiti's best-known sayings, endorsing the habit of getting by with what you have. Well received by anyone

9. Bon bagay

   Good stuff / nice

   Usage

   Literally "good thing". Use it to praise food, music or a purchase. Not rude about people, but it is meant for things and events

10. Frè m

    My brother (friendly address)

    Usage

    An address for a male friend, no kinship needed. Restrict it to men of your own age group; not for elders, women, or first meetings

11. Sè m

    My sister (friendly address)

    Usage

    The female counterpart of Frè m. Only for women of your own age you already know; from a stranger it sounds too familiar

12. Chèf

    Chief / boss (address)

    Usage

    A respectful hail for a driver, craftsman or shopkeeper. It flatters, so use it with men at work and say it cheerfully so it does not sound sarcastic

13. Blan

    Foreigner

    Usage

    Literally "white", but it means any foreigner regardless of skin colour. Children calling "Blan!" at travellers are not insulting you. Better to recognise it than to use it about others yourself

14. Machann

    Market vendor (address)

    Usage

    The normal way to hail a market seller, usually a woman. Opening with it warms up a price negotiation. Not a word for people outside the market

15. Pa gen kont

    No hard feelings / we're even

    Usage

    Literally "there is no account". A line for smoothing over a small misunderstanding. Fine with anyone, but in a money exchange only say it once the payment really is settled

16. Ti moun

    Child / kid

    Usage

    Literally "little person"; the everyday, affectionate word for a child. Aimed at an adult it sounds belittling, so keep it for children

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