General
tam
What does tam mean?
A large, deep knitted or crocheted cap (often red-gold-green) used by Rastas to hold their dreadlocks.
"Him tuck all him locks inna a big tam."
Origin
Jamaican Patois, from the Scottish 'tam o' shanter' cap.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'tam'?
It is a large, deep knitted or crocheted cap, often in red-gold-green, that Rastas use to hold their dreadlocks.
Where does the word 'tam' come from?
It derives from the Scottish 'tam o' shanter' cap.
Why do Rastas wear a tam?
The deep shape lets them tuck away long dreadlocks, and the red-gold-green colours carry Rastafarian significance.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
