Wise Jamaican
Jamaican Proverbs - “To Di Worl”
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”Pig ask ‘im Mumma wha mek har mout’ long so; Mumma sey, ‘No mind pickney, yuh a grow, yuh wi see’”
Dec 16Pig ask ‘im Mumma wha mek har mout’ long so; Mumma sey, ‘No mind pickney, yuh a grow, yuh wi see’
Translation: The pig asked his Mother why her mouth was so long; Mother said, ‘Don’t worry child, you are growing, you will see’
Meaning: Eventually children will learn about the challenges of life
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Jul 15
Ebry jackass sey ‘im cubby ah race hass
Translation: Every jackass says his cub is a racehorse
Meaning: Parents always think that their children are destined for greatness
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Feb 1
When cow can’t get wata fe wash him pickney face, him tek him tongue
Translation: When a cow can’t get water to wash her calf’s face, she uses her tongue
Meaning: A man who cannot earn a living for his family, will beg for them
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“Ole fire tick easy fi ketch”
Filed under Family, RelationshipsJan 28Ole fire tick easy fi ketch
Translation: Old fire stick is easily ignited
Meaning: Old love is easily rekindled
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Jan 7
Johncrow always tink ‘im pickney pretty
Translation: The John Crow always thinks that his child is pretty
Meaning: Parents always think their children are beautiful
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“Blood ticka dan wata”
Filed under Family, RelationshipsNov 2Blood ticka dan wata
Translation: Blood thicker than water
Meaning: The bond between blood relatives is very strong
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Aug 24
Willing pickney belly high, unwilling pickney belly empty
Translation: The willing child has a full stomach, the unwilling child an empty one
Meaning: No one will feed a child who is unwilling to do chores
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“Finga ‘tink, yu cyaan cut it t’row ‘way”
Filed under FamilyJul 13Finga ‘tink, yu cyaan cut it t’row ‘way
Translation: If the finger stinks you cannot cut it off and throw it away
Meaning: You should not cast off a member of your family who gets into trouble
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“Bad fam’ly beta dan empty pig sty”
Filed under FamilyJun 22Bad fam’ly beta dan empty pig sty
Translation: A bad family is better than an empty pig sty
Meaning: It is better to put up with a bad family than to have an empty home with no family members
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“No wash pickney belly, but wash dem back”
Filed under FamilyApr 27No wash pickney belly, but wash dem back
Translation: Don’t wash the child’s stomach, but wash his back
Meaning: Give to the parents instead of to the child
