Strong language. This entry explains a word many Jamaicans consider offensive, so you can understand it when you hear it. Read the usage notes before you try it.
- Also written
- Rass
What “Raas” means
Raas is a rude word, roughly "damn" or "arse", used as an exclamation or for emphasis, as in "wha di raas?" (what the hell?). It's lighter than the full klaat words but still rude.
Examples
Raas, mi miss di bus!
Damn, I missed the bus!
Mi nuh give a raas!
I don't give a damn!
How to use it
Common in casual speech among friends, but still not for elders, children, work or polite company.
Where usage varies
Strength depends on how it's used: "kiss mi raas" is a sharp brush-off. A milder swap is "rahtid" or "cho".
Where it comes from
Usually linked to English "arse".