Trinidad & Tobago Glossary

Trinidad and Tobago is rich in culture, language, and tradition, and that diversity is reflected in the words we use every day. Many of the terms you’ll hear in Trinidad come from a blend of influences including African, Indian, Spanish, French Creole, Chinese, and English traditions. Over time these languages and cultures blended together, creating expressions and food names that are uniquely Trinbagonian.

This glossary is a collection of commonly used words, ingredients, foods, and cultural terms you may encounter in Trinidad and Tobago or throughout the Caribbean diaspora. From beloved foods like doubles, roti, and callaloo, to cultural traditions such as Carnival, Phagwa, and Parang, these entries help explain the meanings and stories behind the words that shape everyday life in Trinidad(work in progress).

Browse the glossary alphabetically below to learn more about the foods, ingredients, traditions, and expressions that are part of Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant culture.