Wise Jamaican
Jamaican Proverbs - “To Di Worl”
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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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“Donkey seh dis yah worl nuh level, hill an gully yah so, hill an gully deh so”
Filed under Animals, Jamaican LifeJan 25Donkey seh dis yah worl nuh level, hill an gully yah so, hill an gully deh so
Translation: A donkey says this world is not level, hill and gully here, hill and gully there
Meaning: Ups and downs are part of life
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“No care how hog try fi hide unda sheep wool, ‘im grunt let im down”
Filed under Animals, PersonalityJan 21No care how hog try fi hide unda sheep wool, im grunt let im down
Translation: It does not matter how much a hog tries to hide under sheep’s wool his grunt will betray him
Meaning: Hiding one’s character is hard to do, the true self always prevails
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Jan 18
Fas’ asleep yet broad awake, yu hear de bells a heav’n strike
Translation: Fast asleep yet wide awake, you hear the bells of heaven strike
Meaning: You hear the truth spoken about yourself
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Jan 14
Nuh cuss alligata long mout’ till yuh cross riber
Translation: Don’t curse alligator or call him long mouth until you cross the river
Meaning: Used as a retort by a weak person to those who take advantage of him, implying that he is still capable of taking revenge
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Jan 11
De house wha’ shelta yuh when a rain, yuh fe look fe ‘im when sun hot
Translation: The house that shelters you in the rain, you should look for it when the sun is hot
Meaning: Look out for those that helped you out in hard times, and return the favour if needed
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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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Jan 4
When man mek himself lika suga everybody use him
Translation: When a man makes himself like sugar everybody uses him
Meaning: When you are too kind, people will take advantage of you
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“Humble calf suck de most milk”
Filed under Animals, PersonalityDec 28Humble calf suck de most milk
Translation: A humble calf sucks the most milk
Meaning: A person with humility will reap good rewards
