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!
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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Mi Madda Seh: The Enduring Wisdom of Jamaican Mothers
If you grew up with a Jamaican mother—or even just visited a home where one reigned—you’ve likely been shaped by her voice, her vigilance, and her vibrant sayings. Jamaican mothers are not just caregivers; they are storytellers, philosophers, nurturers, and…
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Grind Yuh Axe Early: Jamaican Wisdom Meets Cinco de Mayo Grit
In the colorful mosaic of Caribbean wisdom, few proverbs carry as much foresight as this one: Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe. It’s a timeless Jamaican reminder to prepare before the crisis comes — to sharpen…
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When yuh han inna lion mout, tek time draw it out
In other words: move carefully when you’re in a dangerous or delicate situation. Don’t panic. Don’t rush. Move with wisdom. This Jamaican proverb isn’t just for personal survival—it’s a life philosophy. Understanding Lion Situations Lion situations are times of high…
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Every Hoe Ha Dem Tick A Bush
This cheerful Jamaican saying, passed down through generations, carries a deep and uplifting truth: no matter how different or unexpected you are, there’s a place—and people—meant just for you. Whether you feel like an oddball, a late bloomer, or someone…
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