Jamaican Proverbs and Sayings (2024)

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Jamaican Proverbs and Sayings? ›

Wah gwaan – Meaning something similar to “what's up” and “how are you?” it is a casual greeting that you will hear almost as soon as you arrive in Jamaica.

Wah gwaan – Meaning something similar to “what's up” and “how are you?” it is a casual greeting that you will hear almost as soon as you arrive in Jamaica.

Ef fish deh a river bottom an tell yu seh alligator have gum boil, believe him! Translation: If a fish at the bottom of a river tells you that an alligator has gum boil, believe the fish. Meaning: You must adhere to the words of wisdom.

When chubble tek yu, pikney shut fit yu. Translation: When you find yourself in trouble, a child's shirt fits you.

When visita cum a wi fiyahside wi mek wi pat smell sweet. TRANSLATION: When a visitor comes to our home, we make our meals pleasant. MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Be pleasant to all who enter your home or business.

The Jamaican national motto is 'Out of Many One People', based on the population's multiracial roots. The motto is represented on the Coat of Arms, showing a male and female member of the Taino tribe standing on either side of a shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples.

'Wah Gwaan'

This is probably the most well known Jamaican greeting and was even used by US President Barack Obama during his inaugural visit to Jamaica. Wah Gwaan is a casual greeting to enquire how somebody is or what's up.

Jamaica's national motto is something new we want you to learn—“Out of Many, One People.”

“Humble calf drink the most milk.” This Jamaican proverb is still very true to this day. How important is Humility to you?

When a Jamaican says respect? ›

“In Jamaica, we often use the word 'respect' when we greet or part ways with other people, no matter who they are or where they come from. We say this word because we mean it. We respect you as a person because we are all made in God's image, and we seek to show appreciation for your value.

There is a popular saying in Jamaica: “Jamaica, no problem.” Many people think of Jamaica as a getaway… Come here to relax, leave your problems at home.

Learn Jamaican Patois with Chef Roy! "Bredren" is slang for anyone who's a friend!

'Inna di morrows'

“Inna di morrows” is the Jamaican way to say "See you tomorrow”. It may be used along with other phrases, for example, "Mi a leff, inna di morrows”.

Jamaican Proverb - '"Def aise gi lyad trubble" (Deaf. ears give liars trouble).

"Same bird dat carry news come, a di same bird dat tek. it bak." Translation:-(The same person that brings you. gossip will carry it out).

Jamaican Patois (/ˈpætwɑː/; locally rendered Patwah and called Jamaican Creole by linguists) is an English-based creole language with West African, Taíno, Irish, Spanish, Hindustani, Portuguese, Chinese, and German influences, spoken primarily in Jamaica and among the Jamaican diaspora.

“Bomboclat” is one of these Patois words. “Bombo” means, bottom and “Clat” means, cloth. When paired together, it means “bottom cloth” in the standard English translation – a cloth used to wipe your bottom. In Jamaica today, the phrase “bomboclat” is considered a cuss (curse) or swear word.

Bloodclaat is not a British term. It is a Patois term from Jamaica. Bloodclaat literally means blood cloth, as in a feminine hygiene product, a woman's sanitary napkin, or a tampon. In Jamaica menstruation is considered “unclean.”