What is the origin of 'sleep tight'?
Read moreOne of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Definition of bredren in English:
bredren
noun
1Originally United States regional (in African-American usage), in later use chiefly Jamaican. Treated as plural. Brethren, brothers; (in later use) especially friends, companions, close associates, especially when considered as fellow members of a particular social or cultural group.
2Slang (originally and chiefly Jamaican). With singular concord. A close (male) friend or associate.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Tickler. Representing an African-American or Caribbean pronunciation of brethren, variant plural form of brother.
