What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duppy
Example
The old house is said to be haunted by a duppy. [duppy: noun]
Example
She claimed that a duppy possessed her and made her do strange things. [duppy: noun]
specter
Example
The specter of death loomed over the battlefield. [specter: noun]
Example
She felt a cold specter brush past her in the dark alley. [specter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specter is more commonly used than duppy in everyday English. While duppy is specific to Jamaican English and Jamaican culture, specter is a more general term that can be used in various contexts and situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duppy and specter?
Specter is more formal and versatile than duppy. Specter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while duppy is more colloquial and specific to Jamaican English.
