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Tabanca

Pronounced /ta-BAN-ka/nounEveryday talk

Meaning

Lovesickness, especially the heavy, mopey heartache after a break-up. By extension, the deep withdrawal you feel after something wonderful ends. Many masqueraders get 'Carnival tabanca' once the festival is over.

Since Carnival done she have real tabanca, she playing the same soca songs on repeat.

In plain English: Since Carnival ended she's been really down, playing the same soca songs over and over.

Sources

  1. Discover Trinidad & Tobago: Lime & party in Trinidad like a local
  2. Ryan Garcia: Trinbagonian words and phrases for the expert tourist
  3. LargeUp: Check it deeply, what is Carnival tabanca?

Last verified 3 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.