Jamaican "Respect"?

[captaind]

I think it means "groovy"

[Kolya]

Maybe it means those things too, but I take it more literally, and still there are several uses or interpretations.

Respect is one of the few things people, especially men can offer each other in such a challenging economy/culture.

I still see Rasta's who are given "ultimate respect."

If I see a friend who I haven't seen in a while there may well be a fist bump and a "respect" meaning I'm glad to see you and you are still cool with me'

If someone tries to sell me something I don't need or want, I often say, "no man, I'm cool, respect." which I intend to mean "no thanks, I have what I need, but thanks for asking me and I still appreciate you as a human being."

If I do buy something and I get a fair deal, I may conclude with "Tenks, respect."

If I do the right thing like following through on a deal or tipping a cabbie appropriately, I may get a "respect coming back at me."

If I'm being confronted in a potentially touchy situation, I may pepper my conversation with several "respects." . . or "irie."

Jamaicans use respect often among their selves which tells you how important it is.

In some ways it's a bit like namaste (kind of a stretch) which means "I honor the soul within you."

Life can be hard in Jamaica. Simply expressing your respect for those you meet can go along way.