Trini Phrase: Wild Meat

Wild Meat is a Trinidad staple eaten by some Trinidadians but slowly falling out of favour with the newer generation.

Growing up in Mayaro with my grandfather Papa John “mystery” meat was always a staple at Christmas along with his stories about La Jabless and Papa Bois encounters while hunting in the forests near his home!

• Wild Meat (n):  Game; meat from animals killed by hunting, most commonly DEER, QUENK (Wild Pig), MANICOU (Opossum), TATU (Armadillo),[GOUTI], and LAP.
  • I stay home on Christmas for most of the day and I do a lot of cooking and plenty of pork. (Express 23 Dec 1990:15)

The various words and phrases from Trinidad & Tobago can be traced back to English, French and Spanish origins. Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago is interesting because the slangs can change over time. I have lived in the United States for 20 years now, and every time I travel back to Trinidad and Tobago, I have to reacquaint myself with the words and phrases that have evolved.

Recipe from Chris @ Caribbean Pot.

Click here now for other Trini expressions and leave us a comment below of phrases you have heard.

---

Source: Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad & Tobago by Lise Winer