Trini Phrase: Take In Front

De Steelband an dem had big clash and one-time dey call orf Panorama but Despers say dey is dey own boss an dey play in de Savannah on Carnival Tuesday and by Wednesday de lef Pantrinbago in what Tanty Merkle woulda call taking in front before in front take you.

In Trinidad and Tobago, take in front is often used as a phrase.

• Take in Front or take front (phr) Act or say something in your own interest or defence before someone else can use the same point against you; anticipate and avoid and accusation or argument by starting oneself, i.e. take front

Take In Front – Caribbean Usage

In other Caribbean islands, take (pronounced tek)

• Take a fall (verb/phrase) in Dominica and Grenada means to fall down; to stumble and fall down.
• In Tobago – Take a side (verb/phrase) means to move your self
• Take licks means to get beat or phyiscally beaten.
• Take that! (Tek da!) in Guyana means to express cynical delight
• If you take in in Trinidad you may have fallen ill suddenly

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

There are various other words, phrases and sayings in the Trinidad oral traditions such as Lime, Cocoa In De Sun, Bus Bamboo, and Tanka-Lanka.

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