Sranantongo
What does "switi" mean?
switi is Sranantongo for sweet, tasty. Pronounced SWIE-tie.
Switi means tasty or lovely, and it goes far beyond food. A party is switi, music is switi, an afternoon with family is switi. It is one of the most-used words of approval in Sranantongo and every generation says it. "Switi Sranan" is the affectionate name for the country itself, heard most often from people who no longer live there.
A nyanyan disi switi! (This food is delicious!)
Switi here does not mean "sugary". A hot, spicy roti is also switi. Sweetness as a taste is normally clear from context rather than from the word.
Frequently asked questions
What does switi mean in English?
switi is Sranantongo and literally means sweet, tasty. Switi means tasty or lovely, and it goes far beyond food. A party is switi, music is switi, an afternoon with family is switi. It is one of the most-used words of approval in Sranantongo and every generation says it. "Switi Sranan" is the affectionate name for the country itself, heard most often from people who no longer live there.
How do you pronounce switi?
Say it as SWIE-tie. Sranantongo is understood by almost everyone in Paramaribo, including people who speak Dutch, Sarnami or Javanese at home.
Is Sranantongo a real language?
Yes. Sranantongo is a full creole language with its own grammar and spelling, formed in Suriname with roots in English, Dutch, Portuguese and West African languages. Dutch is the official language of Suriname, but Sranantongo is the lingua franca on the street.