4 Jamaican Proverbs on wisdom, love and parenting

4 Jamaican Proverbs on wisdom, love and parenting

There are many lessons for life or proverbs in Jamaica’s folklore, all expressed in creole.   Here are four that may be similar to those in your culture.

“Ef fish deh a river bottom an tell yu seh alligator have gum boil, believe him”
Translation: If the fish in the river tells you that the alligator has gum boil, believe the fish.
Meaning: Listen to the voice of experience

“Yu a swap black dawg fi monkey.”
Translation: You are swapping a black dog for a monkey
 Meaning: You are giving up one bad situation/relationship for another.

“Sake a mout fish get ketch.”
Translation: Because of its mouth the fish is caught
Meaning: Talking too much can get you in trouble.

“Ben di tree while it young, cause when it old it a go bruk..”
Translation: Bend the tree while it is young, because when it is old it will break.
Meaning: Discipline your children when they are young, because trying to do so when they are older is often too late.

 For 6 more Jamaican proverbs go to: https://www.experiencejamaique.com/blog/six-jamaican-proverbs

And more: https://jamaicajamaicawi.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/jamaican-proverbs-from-a-z/

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Updated May 2020

March 2019