For two or three weeks before the 25th December, at nights, boys would bus bamboo in small villages all over Trinidad.

Bus bamboo, burst bamboo (phr) – An activity usually of boys, traditionally done from Divali through Christmas. A small amount of pitch oil is poured into a section of cut bamboo, then the fumes are ignited. The resulting explosion sounds like a small canon.

Bus Bamboo Competition

Caribbean Usage

Burst Bamboo or Carbide common mostly in Trinidad and Grenada is to ignite and explode a joint of bamboo, or a small can which is stopped at both ends and containing moistened carbide or some kerosene (pitch oil).

Trini Phrases

The various words and phrases from Trinidad & Tobago can be traced back to English, French and Spanish origins. Mother-giver 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 Santimanitay, Obzocky, Mama De-Leau,

Click here now for other Trini expressions and leave us a comment below of phrases you have heard.

Featured Image by Luca Florio on Unsplash

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