- Also written
- Rude boy, Rudeboy, Rudie
What “Rudebwoy” means
A rudebwoy is a tough, street-smart young man. The term goes back to the "rude boys" of 1960s Kingston, young men known for sharp dressing and rebellion, who were the subject of many ska and rocksteady songs.
Examples
Rudebwoy, wah gwaan?
What's up, rude boy?
How to use it
Slang. It can be admiring, a warning, or playful between friends, depending on tone.
Cultural context
The rude boy image travelled with ska to Britain in the 1960s and was later taken up by the UK 2 Tone movement.