A bunch of English phrases that might as well be Twi

Twinglish if you may

(On paper) Ghana gained it’s independence from Britain on March 6th, 1957. Which was a Wednesday. Making her an Akua. This was discovered whilst typing.

I’ll be the first to admit my Twi is subpar and I probably wouldn’t fit the description as the ‘most Ghanaian’ Ghanaian you know. Alas, whatever I do have I credit to my proximity to my grandma. The people know one of the two things I bring to the table is nkatekwan.

But yes, s/o Grandma. She speaks great English but with Ghanaian flare and it sounds like this.

• By all means

  Google said it means definitely but I’d say it’s more literal, like as long as it’s up to me, this is going to happen

  • Example: ‘But how are you going to get there?’ ‘By all means, I will go.’

• Just take it like that

  Be satisfied with your thing as it is/don’t change it

  • Example: ‘these heels don’t match the dress’ ‘just take it like that’

• It’s paining me

  It hurts (normally physical pain)

  • Example: ‘My hand hurts.’ ‘What’s wrong? ‘It’s paining me.’

• Prepared to help me

  Was willing and or able to support me

  • Example: ‘I was there carrying my things and nobody was prepared to help me’

• I’m coming (my mom asked for this one)

  Saying I’m coming when you’re really going (I genuinely don’t know what she’s talking about)

• Polytin bag

  referring to a polyethylene (plastic) bag

  • Example: ‘there are polytin bags under the sink’

• What again?

  Is there anything else?/Are we finished here?

  • Example: ‘What do we need?’ Milk, bread, water, soap.’ ‘Yes what again?’

• Choked

  Anything being blocked and or busy e.g. drains, roads, shops, etc.

  • Example: ‘We were in the traffic for almost 2 hours.’ ‘Yes that place was choked.’

• Go for it

  Not an encouraging plea to strive for the best. A literal instruction to go and get something

  • Example: ‘Where’s the money uncle gave you?’ ‘He said it’s for me.’ ‘Go for it.’

BONUS: my favourite Twi phrase is ‘wo sɛ?’ (What did you say?) I’ve always understood it but I started saying it last year and just didn’t stop. A nice two syllables, it just flows off the tongue. Not Ghanaian? Don’t care, I don’t have time to ask ‘what did you say.’

If I missed any of your favourite Twinglish, do tell.

AkuaSaid happy Ghana Independence Day.

*nota bene: there’s another blog dropping very very soon.