General
posse
What does posse mean?
A gang, crew or group of associates; in the 1980s specifically Jamaican organised crime groups in the US/UK.
"Di whole posse roll up to di dance."
Origin
Jamaican Patois adoption of American English 'posse' (Western films).
Frequently asked questions
What does 'posse' mean in Jamaican slang?
It's a gang, crew or group of associates, and historically referred to specific Jamaican organised-crime groups.
Where does 'posse' come from?
Jamaicans adopted it from American English, where 'posse' came from Western films about a sheriff's armed group.
Were the Jamaican posses real gangs?
Yes — in the 1980s 'posse' named actual Jamaican organised-crime groups operating in the US and UK.
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