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Welcome to a corner of the internet where island wisdom shines bright!
At Jamaica Lingo, we celebrate the timeless power of Jamaican proverbs—those sweet, witty, and powerful sayings passed down through generations.
Each blog post unpacks the meaning behind our favorite phrases, sharing stories, lessons, and inspiration for life, business, love, and personal growth. Whether you grew up hearing these sayings from your granny or you’re discovering them for the first time, you’ll find encouragement, laughter, and real island heart right here.
Because Jamaican wisdom isn’t just about old-time talk—it’s a guide for living boldly, dreaming big, and walking with purpose every single day.
Small steps, big dreams. Good friends, sweet blessings. Brave hearts, unstoppable spirits. That’s the Jamaica Lingo way.
Grab a cup of tea, take a seat on the verandah, and soak up the sayings that remind us who we are—and who we’re becoming.
Walk good, stay tallawah, and welcome to the journey!
Laughing Through the Pain — A Jamaican Survival SkillA Proverb with Backbone and Belly LaughsThere’s a certain kind of strength that doesn’t show up with fists clenched or voices raised. It shows up with a joke cracked in the middle…
“Yuh Cyaan Siddung Pon Cow Back An’ Call It Horse”
Truth Can’t Be FakedIn classic Jamaican fashion, the proverb “Yuh cyaan siddung pon cow back an’ call it horse” delivers its truth with earthy humor and sharp clarity. No matter what you call it, a cow is not a horse,…
“Fiyah Deh A Mus-Mus Tail, ‘Im Tink A Cool Breeze”
Warning: Danger in DisguiseFew 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…
Eye Nuh See. Heart Nuh Leap
Protecting Your Peace the Jamaican WayThe Wisdom Behind the WordsThere’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”…
“Wah Nuh Dead, Nuh Call It Duppy”
You’re Not Done Yet – Resurrecting Hope the Jamaican WayThe Power in the ProverbJamaicans 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…
Han’ Wash Han’ Mek Han’ Come Clean
The Power of Mutual SupportThe 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…
Di Higher Di Monkey Climb, Di More Him Expose
Stay Humble: Wisdom for Every Stage of SuccessA Jamaican Lesson in VisibilityAs 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,…
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…
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…
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…
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