Gwo Pwell

Gwo Pwell is a Creole phrase commonly used in Dominica to mean “big trouble” or “big problem.” In the Dominican context, Gwo Powell often refers to significant challenges or difficult situations deeply rooted in the island’s cultural expressions and storytelling traditions.

You will often encounter this term being used to address relationship difficulties among both teenage and young adult couples. It would be said, “You have a Gwo Pwell“, or “He/She give her/him a Gwo Pwell“.

This term is part of the broader Kwéyòl language spoken in the Caribbean and reflects the shared linguistic heritage across these islands.