What does "wagwan" mean?

8 Answers

This word can be used as a greeting or even to ask for an update on a particular situation. In some cultures, it is simply used as a casual way to begin a chat or conversation with someone.


Defining Wagwan

Wagwan is, by origin, a Jamaican-English expression used to ask "what's up?" or "what's going on?"

Examples

  • If two pals meet up after not having seen each other for awhile, one of them might greet the other by asking, "Wagwan?" to see what their friend has been doing since the last time they met.

  • Or, if someone is confused about something they see or hear happening, they might ask someone, "Wagwan with that?"

So ... what exactly are you saying, teacher?

Wagwan is basically a slang term or expression that is used to greet a friend, to ask for an explanation about something, or simply to ask, "what's going on?"

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WAGWAN is a simple way to say "what's going on?" or "what's happening"


Important note.

It is not too common to hear WAGWAN in America. It is more commonly heard in Jamaica.



How to reply to Wagwan


In order to reply you could say something like nagwan or "nothing's going on"

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Modified form of standar English "What's going on?"



Jamaican greeting

Jamaican greeting equivalent to "What's up?" or "What's happening?"


Example:

Wagwan, man? It's been a long time since I don't hear about you!


Wagwan = What's up?

Wagwan is a way of asking "What's up?" to other person

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"Wagwan" is a slang greeting meaning "what's going on?" It is commonly used in the UK.



UK Slang

"Wagwan" is a slang term that is commonly used in the United Kingdom, especially among young people. It is a shortened version of the phrase "what's going on," and it is often used as a greeting or to ask someone what's happening or what's new.

For example, you might use "wagwan" as a way to say hello to someone you know, or to ask someone how they are doing. It is generally used in a casual or informal setting and is not considered appropriate in more formal or professional contexts.


  1. "Hey, wagwan man? What's been going on with you lately?"

  2. "Wagwan with you today? You seem a bit off."

  3. "Wagwan at the party last night? It looked like a good time."

  4. "Wagwan, mate? How was your day at work?"

  5. "I haven't seen you in a while, wagwan?"

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Jamaican English


This is probably the most well known Jamaican greeting and even US President Barack Obama used it during a visit to Jamaica.


First used in the Caribbean in the 90's, and has made it's way over to the South of England.

The slang word, 'wagwan' is typically used on the streets among youngsters and has become popular in reggae.


It is an informal way of asking your friend, 'what's up or what's happening?'


'Wah Gwaan'

Wagwan, bro?



Wagwan is a contraction of 'what's going on?'

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"Wagwan" is a slang term used as a greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing.


Here is a more detailed answer:

"Wagwan" is a slang term that is often used as a greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing. The term is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, and is commonly used by young people. It is a shortened version of the phrase "what's going on?", and is used in a similar way to other informal greetings such as "what's up?" or "how's it going?".


Here are a few usage examples to help you better understand this expression:

  • "Hey, wagwan man – how's it going?"

  • "Wagwan? How was your weekend?"

  • "I saw you walking down the street and I was like, wagwan with that haircut?"

  • "Wagwan, I haven't seen you in ages – how have you been?"


Here are a few multiple choice questions to help you practice using this expression:

  1. What is "wagwan" a slang term for?

    a) A greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing

    b) A way to say goodbye

    c) A way to express annoyance

    d) A way to express excitement

Answer: a) A greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing

  1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the term "wagwan"?

    a) Believed to have originated in the United Kingdom

    b) Commonly used by young people

    c) A shortened version of the phrase "what's going on?"

    d) Used in a similar way to other informal greetings such as "what's up?" or "how's it going?"

    e) None of the above

Answer: e) None of the above

  1. Is the term "wagwan" typically used as a greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing?

    a) Yes

    b) No

Answer: a) Yes

  1. Is the term "wagwan" a shortened version of the phrase "what's going on?"

    a) Yes

    b) No

Answer: a) Yes


Conclusion:

"Wagwan" is a slang term that is often used as a greeting or a way to ask how someone is doing. The term is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, and is commonly used by young people. It is a shortened version of the phrase "what's going on?", and is used in a similar way to other informal greetings such as "what's up?" or "how's it going?".

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Meaning of "wagwan"


In Jamaican English, wagwan is a greeting that means "what's up?" or "what's going on?"



Example: Wagwan my friend!


This phrase is of Jamaican patois origin, it is a part of the creole.

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What does “Wagwan” mean?

This expression is used to greet and comes from the Jamaican slang form of “What's going on?”,

Jamaican slang in London

Wagwan - What is going on with that expression?


Greeting:
“Wagwan man?”
Meaning.
“What is going on, my friend?” or, “Hi, my friend.”


This expression is used a lot in South London

It can be used as a greeting like, “hello”, or to urge people to share some current events.


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