Season 3 Episode 11 - Proverbs - Profound Ways to Provoke Thought

The Perspective Matters Podcast

Jamaican Proverbs are a humorous, sharp, creative way of expressing sensible ideas and a point of view! We don't hold punches and some of these proverbs will have you clutching your pearls! I want to share seven (7) proverbs with you; so you too can impart wisdom to your friends, family and your networks

1. WEN GOAT LAUGH, EVERYBODY FINE OUT SEH HIM NUH GOT NO TEET.

Translation: When the goat laughs, everyone discovers that he has no teeth.
Meaning: Sometimes it is best to keep quiet so that your flaws or faults are not discovered.

2. LICKLE BIT A BRAINS CAN GI BIG MOUT TROUBLE.

Translation: A small amount of ‘brains’ can give a big mouth plenty of trouble.
Meaning: If you are not very smart; or do not have a lot of common sense and you love to talk; you are sure to get into trouble. Additional Meaning: Think more and speak less.

3. CRATCH AN’ RUB CYAAN CURE COCOBEH.

Translation: Scratching and rubbing cannot cure Cocobeh (Cocobeh is a kind of leprosy or skin ailment).
Meaning: Sometimes it takes extraordinary measures to fix a situation. ( Scratching and rubbing will not cure the ailment. You need medication to treat this illness.)

4. WHEN HEAD PART STUNTED, KIBBA MOUT.

Translation: When the head part (brain) is not fully developed, remain quiet.
Meaning: If you are not very smart; or don’t know what you are talking about; (and you don’t want to be perceived as ignorant), be quiet.

5. TOO MUCH CALLALOO MEK PEPPER POT SOUP TASTE BITTER.

Translation: Too much Callaloo gives the pepper pot soup a bitter taste.
Meaning: Do all things in moderation.

6. IF YUH NUH HAB HORN, YUH FI KEEP OUTTA BULL FIGHT.

Translation: If you do not have horns, you should stay out of bull fights.
Meaning: Stay in your lane OR don’t take on responsibilities you are not prepared for.

7. YUH NUFFI PUT YUHSELF INNA BARREL IF MATCHES BOX CAN HOLD YUH.

Translation: You mustn’t put yourself in a barrel if you can fit in a match box.
Meaning: Don’t think too highly of yourself OR be humble.

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Drop me a line and let me know which proverb resonated with you or what is your favourite proverb!