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Don’t cry, maharajin. You is a good woman! As he came up the steps, he shouted. ‘How you feeling these days, maharajin? Is me, Chittaranjan, the goldsmith.’
- Maharajin, marajhin, marajin (n) – A term of address or reference for the wife of a Brahmin or Pundit. Generally used as a term of respectful address for any married woman. Hindi Mahārāja (/ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə/; Sanskrit: महाराज; ‘sovereign emperor’ + -in, feminine form.
Maharajin – Caribbean Usage
The term maharajin or sexy maharajin, as in the song sung by Sparrow, is a respectful form of address for East Indian ladies in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
[Marajhin, Marajhin]
O my sweeeett, dulahin
[Saucy Marajhin! Sexy Marajhin!
Crazy marajhin!] All right,
[Dulahinn! Dulahin]
Hear de sweeeett, music playin
Ah want tuh hol yuh, ah want tuh
Rack yuh,
Ah want tuh, jam you, jam you, jam
You, jam toniggghhtt!
Trini Phrases
The various words and phrases from Trinidad & Tobago can be traced back to English, French, Hindi, and Spanish origins. Maharajin 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 next generation’s stories. Other Trini phrases in the vernacular are Tanka Lanka, Bobol, Never-See-Come-See and Obzocky.
Click here now for other Trini expressions and leave us a comment below of phrases you have heard.
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