GYAL

What Does Gyal Mean in a Text?

Gyal means "girl." It is a slang term originating from Jamaican patois, which is now used widely throughout the US and UK to refer to a young woman or girl. Its use is especially prominent in the genres of reggae and UK drill music, where it is often used in lyrics to address or describe women.

Gyal is similar in use and meaning to gal. It is also the root of the term gyaldem, which means a gang or group of girls.

Image for Gyal

When I write Gyal, I mean this:

Gyal is a slang term originating from Jamaican patois.

Summary of Key Points

"Girl" is, by far, the most common meaning for Gyal when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Gyal
Definition:	Girl
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Gyal

image for academic look, showing a teacher with a mortar board

Caribbean slang originating from Jamaican patois reflects the linguistic and cultural landscape of Jamaica and has widespread influence across the Caribbean, as well as in the UK and US. Jamaican patois itself is not just a dialect of English, but a separate creole language that developed from the contact between English and African languages during the colonial period. This creole is characterized by its own vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, distinct from standard English.