Bless up
/ BLESS up /Quick answer: Bless up (pronounced BLESS up) is a friendly greeting or goodbye wishing someone well.
What does Bless up mean?
Bless up is a greeting, thank-you or farewell that wishes someone blessings. It’s warm, positive and suitable almost anywhere.
Where does Bless up come from?
It comes from Rastafari and church speech, where blessings are part of everyday talk. It’s now used by Jamaicans of every background, and in Caribbean communities worldwide.
How to use Bless up
You can end a conversation with ‘Bless up!’, thank someone with ‘Bless’, or sign off a message with ‘Blessings’.
| Jamaican Patois | English |
|---|---|
| Bless up, mi bredda, walk good. | Blessings, brother — take care. |
| Tenky fi di help. Bless! | Thanks for the help. Bless you! |
| Bless up yuhself. | Be blessed. |
Other spellings
Because Patois is mostly spoken, spellings vary. You may also see: blessed, blessings, bless.
Related Patois words
One love · Walk good · Respect · Big up
Frequently asked
Is bless up a goodbye?
It can be hello, thanks or goodbye.
Do you have to be religious to say it?
No — it’s an everyday friendly expression.
Look up more words in the Jamaican Patois Dictionary, or see Bless up in the dictionary.