A – Ackee:

A small round, local fruit often sold by vendors along the highway when in season. Family to the lychee, ackees are high in vitamins and amino acids. A must try when in Barbados!

B – Bussa:

Leader of the Rebellion of 1816 and one of Barbados’ National Heroes. The Bussa statue can be found at the Emancipation roundabout in Haggatt Hall. 

C – Chefette:

Barbados’ favourite local fast food joint with 15 locations island wide. Popular picks include the broasted chicken sandwich, tenders, rotis and more. Click here to see the menu

D – Dolphin:

You may see ‘dolphin’ on some menus in Barbados. This is not referring to ‘flipper’ the mammal, but rather the dolphin-fish or more commonly known as Mahi-Mahi.

E – Evahsince :

A common Bajan word for a ‘long time ago’ e.g. “Have you heard about the Barbados Welcome Stamp?” – “Evahsince – I saw that in the news in August.

F – Falernum:

This is a Bajan liqueur made from rum, lime and sugar. It is a common base for many Bajan cocktails and a key ingredient the famous Barbadian drink ‘Corn & Oil’.

G – Grapefruit:

We are sure you know what a grapefruit is, but did you know it originated in Barbados? It was first discovered in the lush Welchman Hall Gully. George Washington referred to it as “The Forbidden Fruit” on his visit to Barbados in 1750.

H – Hawksbill:

Hawksbill sea turtles are a critically endangered species of sea turtle making them an extra special sighting in Barbados. They nest on the beach in front on The Condominiums at Palm Beach. The season for nesting is June 1st to October 31st. Please be sure to call The Barbados Sea Turtle Project if you see a nesting turtle or hatchlings.

I – Ilaro Court:

This is the name of the official residence of the Prime Minister located in Two Mile Hill.

J – Juking Board:

A thick slab of heavy, hard wood with one jagged side. This was traditionally used to wash clothes and “juk” out the dirt. Visit the Barbados Museum to see more historic artifacts like this.

K – Kadooment:

The final event of the Crop Over Festival, held on the first Monday in August each year. Costumed bands parade and dance along the streets in an event similar to Carnival.

L – Limestone:

Limestone is an important feature of Barbados as approximately 85% of the island is made up of it! A good way to see the limestone of Barbados is by visiting Harrison’s Cave for a tour of the underground limestone caves.

M – Mauby:

A bitter drink made from the bark of a small, shrubby tree. In the past women would balance a container of mauby on their heads and walk through town selling it. Nowadays you can buy the bark or the syrup in supermarkets, or you can buy it ready-made at any popular food spot such as Cheffete! Give it a try if you are feeling adventurous.

N – Nuff:

A common Bajan word for ‘a lot of’ for example “I want a drink with ‘nuff’ ice cause it’s too hot today.”

O – Oistins:

Looking for a fun family activity to do on a Friday night? Oistins Fish fry at Oistins Bay Garden is a must visit. Enjoy fresh local fish and other Bajan delicacies like macaroni pie.

P – Pudding & Souse:

This traditional Saturday lunch dish consists of the souse (pickled pork) and the pudding (steamed sweet potato). Traditionally souse was made using pig feet, ears, snout and tongue.

Q – QEH:

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital or QEH is our public hospital located in Bridgetown. Barbados is proud to offer free public healthcare to its citizen.  

R – Rum Punch:

Rum has been produced in Barbados for over 350 years, making it a favourite among locals. ‘Rum Punch’ a popular Bajan cocktail commonly made with lime, sugar, water, rum, bitters and nutmeg - be careful it is often stronger than you think.  Realtors Limited guests receive a complimentary bottle of rum punch upon arrival.

S – Standpipe:

The name is short for standard pipe. The standpipe was where most Barbadians used to fetch their water. Over 400 standpipes distributed free water to the island from as early as 1861.

T – Tuk Band:

This traditional musical ensemble dance as they play tuk music using a triangle, a piccolo, a snare drum and a double-ended bass drum. The dancers are dressed in character often as the Shaggy Bear, Mother Sally or the Stilt man. You can see a tuk band live in action at the Holetown Festival in February or at the popular Harbour Lights Diner Show. 

U – UWI:

The University of the West Indies or UWI has campuses across the Caribbean. The Barbados campus is located in Cave Hill and has many local, regional and international students.

V – Veranda:

An open-aired porch with a roof. In Barbados, the veranda is usually painted a different colour from the rest of the house. Have you noticed this on your drives around Barbados?

W – Wuk-up:

A popular Caribbean dance done by gyrating one's waistline, often to the beat of soca, calypso or other rhythmic music. 

X – X Plate:

Did you know that the first letter on the license plates in Barbados stands for something? X is the letter for cars registered in the parish of Christ Church.

Y – Yam Pie:

A popular dish served at Sunday lunch. Prepared like mashed potatoes but then baked, often with cherries on top. You can enjoy traditional Bajan meals like yam pie at Atlantis Bajan Buffet. 

Z – ZR:

A privately owned route taxi named after the first 2 letters on their license plates “ZR”. Visitors commonly refer to ZR’s as the reggae bus as they are known to play loud reggae music.