Several of these other definitions listed are correct as the word has fallen into more generalized usage, but the true origins of the word are as follows.
The word originates from "rastafarian", and denotes an extremely caucasian person,
dreadlocked and trustfunded by their wealthy family; listen to reggae almost exclusively, pretend to follow the Rastafarian religion, for some reason worship the former leader of Ethiopia,
Haile Sellassie I, and say things like "Roots!" and "
Bup bup!" loudly across streets and alleys to the others of their species. They exist in a cloud of ganga smoke and a
bleary,
red eyed, dull demeanor; have little to say other than the regurgitated faux black guy verbage they spew. They affect the mannerisms, accent, and dialect of Jamaicans;wear the colors of the Rastafarian, red, gold, and green as well as hippie clothing made from
kente cloth; the irony of the whole persona is beyond belief.
This odd affectation could possiby be a result of embarassment of one's true culture, which necessitated the hijacking of someone else's.
This persona could be viewed in abundance in the mountain town of
Telluride, Colorado in the
mid-90's, before they all cut their hair and became realtors and business owners. Their fake accents magically disappeared.
Trustafarian: Yo, man, Irie
Ites! (tranlation, Hello Mister Real Live Black Man! Gosh darn, that's some good looking alkalizing organic vegan food you're about to consume!!!)
Actual
Rastafarian: Fuck you rich white boy! What the fuck is wrong with you!!!???!!!