Author: Mak Spence
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Fiyah Deh A Mus-Mus Tail, ‘Im Tink A Cool Breeze
Warning: Danger in Disguise Few Jamaican proverbs pack as much poetic irony and real-world relevance as: “Fiyah deh a mus-mus tail, ‘im tink a cool breeze.”It’s a vivid and ominous image—a small marsupial (mus-mus, or mouse) with fire literally at its tail, foolishly mistaking the heat for a gentle breeze. The moral? Some people ignore…
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Eye Nuh See. Heart Nuh Leap.
Protecting Your Peace the Jamaican Way The Wisdom Behind the Words There’s a quiet genius in Jamaican proverbs. They don’t just pass down wisdom—they do it with rhythm, humour, and a splash of hard truth. And “Eye nuh see, heart nuh leap” is one of those sayings that hits deep and settles soft. Literally, it…
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Wah Nuh Dead, Nuh Call It Duppy
You’re Not Done Yet – Resurrecting Hope the Jamaican Way The Power in the Proverb Jamaicans don’t give up easy. And one of the finest examples of this deep-seated resilience is baked right into the proverb: “Wah nuh dead, nuh call it duppy.” Let’s break it down:Literal meaning – If it’s not dead, don’t call…
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Han’ Wash Han’ Mek Han’ Come Clean
The Power of Mutual Support The Jamaican proverb “Han’ wash han’ mek han’ come clean” is a shining example of how language reflects a people’s values. At first glance, it’s a simple truth: you need one hand to wash the other for both to become clean. But look deeper, and you’ll find this proverb brimming…
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Di Higher Di Monkey Climb, Di More Him Expose
Stay Humble: Wisdom for Every Stage of Success A Jamaican Lesson in Visibility As Jamaicans say, “Di higher monkey climb, di more him expose.” It’s a witty yet weighty reminder that the higher you go in life, the more you reveal—your strengths, your flaws, your truth. Success is a spotlight, and under that light, everything…
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Mi Faada, Mi Hero: Honoring the Wisdom of Jamaican Fathers
When I think of my Jamaican father, I think of strength wrapped in gentleness, discipline tempered by humor, and guidance rooted in cultural pride. My dad – retired now – was a powerful orator, scholar, pastor, theologian, teacher, poet and songwriter, visionary and builder. My best memories are of those many father-daughter memories we shared…
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If Yuh Cyaan Ketch Quako, Ketch ‘Im Shut
Opportunity Missed? Grab the Next One! ✨ Jamaican proverbs have a way of turning ordinary words into extraordinary wisdom. One such gem is: “If yuh cyaan ketch Quako, ketch ‘im shut.” Traditionally, this saying describes misdirected anger—if you can’t get back at the person who wronged you, you lash out at what’s close to them.…
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Mi Likkle but Mi Tallawah
Small in Size, Mighty in Spirit “Mi likkle but mi tallawah” isn’t just a saying—it’s a statement of identity. It’s what you say when the world counts you out because of your size, your background, or your quietness. It’s what you say when you decide to walk into a room full of giants and still…
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Ef Yuh Waan Good, Yuh Nose Haffi Run
No Reward Without Sweat: Embracing Discomfort for Growth “Ef yuh waan good, yuh nose haffi run.” That one line holds a world of meaning. It reminds us that anything truly worthwhile will require hard work, sacrifice, and at times, discomfort. Your dreams don’t come easy. Your goals won’t be handed to you. If you want…
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Mama Know Best: A Reggae Reflection on Motherhood
By a Philosophical Yardie with Nuff Respect ⸻ Womb of Hope Yuh see, when a likkle pickney come into dis world—fresh, pink, bawlin’ like dem jus’ get evicted from paradise—what really born is more than a baby. Is hope. And not just any ole hope. Is the kinda hope dat sit down deep in a…