Brawta
/ BRAW-ta /Quick answer: Brawta (pronounced BRAW-ta) is a little extra thrown in for free.
What does Brawta mean?
Brawta is a little extra that a seller adds for free — an extra mango, a bit more rice — as a goodwill gesture. Asking for brawta is a normal part of market shopping.
Where does Brawta come from?
It’s thought to come from Spanish or Portuguese trading words for a bonus or something given cheaply. It’s a cherished part of Jamaican market culture.
How to use Brawta
At the market: ‘Lady, put on a brawta fi mi’ — add a little extra for me.
| Jamaican Patois | English |
|---|---|
| Lady, put on a brawta fi mi. | Miss, add a little extra for me. |
| Him gi mi two mango brawta. | He gave me two extra mangoes for free. |
| Weh mi brawta? | Where’s my little extra? |
Other spellings
Because Patois is mostly spoken, spellings vary. You may also see: bruata, brata.
Related Patois words
Higgler · Bly · Gimme a brawta
Frequently asked
What is brawta?
A free extra added to a purchase.
Is asking for brawta rude?
No — it’s a normal, friendly part of market shopping.
Look up more words in the Jamaican Patois Dictionary, or see Brawta in the dictionary.