Trini Phrase: Vy-kee-vy

Vy-kee-vy or Vay-ki-vay is an adjective used in Trinidad when things are disorderly, unplanned or chaotic.

• Vai-ki-vai, vaille—que–vaille, vai-qui-vai, vie-que-vie, vike-e-vike,vi-ke-vi, vikey–vy, vy-kee-vy, vy-ki-vy (adj):  Lackadaisical; disorderly; unplanned;chaotic; irresponsible; without care or thought. French Creole vai ki vai; French vaille que vaille ‘for better or worse’ 
  • I am a true-true Trini, I do things vy-ki-vy.  I don’t need to answer questions, Like who, when, what, where, why? I live the carefree now-for-now, Worship the nine-day- wonder, I have no future plans or hopes, No scruples to live under. (Wilkes 1994)

Caribbean Usage – Vy-kee-vy

The work Vy-key-vy is used on multiple islands in the Caribbean including Grenada and St. Lucia.

Trini Phrases

The various words and phrases from Trinidad & Tobago can be traced back to English, French and Spanish origins. Kicksing is one such word that has its roots in the English language. 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.

Oral Traditions

Trini folklore such as Papa Bois is an oral tradition meant to pass on the stories to the next generation. Other Trini phrases in the vernacular are Bus Bamboo, Douen, Mother Giver and Reds.

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
  • Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage by Richard Allsopp

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