T&T Glossary

Glossary of Trinidad terms
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Arawak: Thought to be the earliest settlers in Trinidad, who came from South America (Amerindians)
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B
Bobol: Corruption or misappropriation particularly in which officials or politicians may be involved
Bocas: Sea straits between islands, especially the chain from the north-west tip of Trinidad towards Venezuela, also known as the Dragons' Mouths (Boca is Spanish for mouth)
Picture of the First Boca, the Dragon's Mouth between the North-West tip of Trinidad (on right) and the island of Monas. Venezuela is in the far distance to the left (under the roof).
Exit Picture
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C
Carib: Warrior Amerindians who settled Trinidad since 1000 AD; though a few people living in the Arima area claim Carib descent, there are not many left. Also a popular local bottled lager beer, of which there always seems to be plenty left
Carnival: This most spectacular of Trinidad's festivals is held each year on the Monday and Tuesday immediately before the beginning of Lent, and is celebrated with costume processions, music and dancing in the streets, and revelry. Preparations for the next year's Carnival seem to start just after Easter, the end of Lent. The word comes from "Carne vale" - the Latin for farewell to meat
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D
Divali: Hindu festival for the goddess of light and wealth, celebrated at the end of October by lighting lanterns and feasting with friends.
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E
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F
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G
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H
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I
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J
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K
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L
Lent: The period of 40 days and nights before Easter observed by Christians commemorating the passion of Jesus Christ
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M
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N
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O
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P
Port of Spain: The capital city and principal port of Trinidad.
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Q
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R
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S

Savannah: More properly the Queen's Park Savannah, is the biggest open space in Port of Spain. The perimeter is about 2.5 miles round, and is popular for jogging, roller skating, and just plain promenading in the early mornings and evenings. Coconut water, pilori, and oyster coctail sellers tempt you with their wares. My picture, taken from the Hilton, was on a rainly afternoon.back

Scarlet Ibis: Brilliant scarlet bird which roosts in the Caroni Swamp, and is regarded as the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago. View a picture © Dr Russell Barrow. The national coat of arms features a Scarlet Ibis as the left supporter. Take a guided evening boat trip into the swamp to see the Ibises, and white Egrets come in to roost, and other wildlife. Best to take a cooler of drinks, some snacks, and cover up (or feed the mosquitos!)
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T
Tringlish: I find this is the way tuh speak if yuh English an yuh wan tuh be understood by de Trinis. Yuh could also use it for a limey English who does speak dat way.
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U
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V
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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