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Jamaican Patois · Romantic expressions

Matey

The other woman; a partner's side lover

Say itMAY-tee

Also written
Maitey

What “Matey” means

In Jamaican slang, a matey is a woman who is involved with someone else's partner, the "other woman". Two women involved with the same man may each call the other a matey.

Examples

A she a im matey.

She's his other woman.

How to use it

Slang, frequent in gossip and dancehall songs about rivalry. It is an accusation and an insult when said to or about someone, so it is not a word for polite company.

Where usage varies

It does not mean "friend" or "mate" as in British English, a common confusion for visitors.