Papiamento is best described as a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, English, French and African languages. The word dushi most likely comes from the Spanish word ‘dulce’, which means sweet. It has the same meaning – amongst others – in Papiamento but when it comes to food it is often used to say it’s very tasty. Your food doesn’t have to be sweet for it to be dushi!

Antillean men love their women and like to express their feelings to them. Of the many words and nicknames to do so, dushi is most commonly used. It is not used exclusively by significant others, but often also outside of relationships – it doesn’t have to be a romantic gesture. “Mi dushi” means my darling, while “Danki dushi” – which means thanks babe – could also be said to a stranger. Note that it is not always appropriate to do so. Additionally, dushi is also often applied to children.

Another inspiration for the word dushi comes from the Portuguese word ‘doce’, which among other things means sweet and loving. People often use the word dushi to express their love or gratitude for someone. For example, if you receive a beautiful gift from someone, you can respond with “Danki, esta dushi”, meaning thank you, that’s very sweet.

It is often used to let someone know you find them sexy or attractive. Both men and women can be dushi – it is for everyone to use and be. The word dushi is not only being used on Curacao; in the Netherlands (Curacao is part of the Dutch Kingdom) it has become part of slang.

The coutry of Curacao even has its own dushi nickname: Dushi Korsou. Originally this was the title of the national anthem, but today it is just one of the best ways to describe the island. It’s not just nice, beautiful or sweet, but it’s all of the above and so much more. In short: it’s dushi.