Jamaica Lingo

Tag: #IslandWisdom

  • Cock Mout’ Kill Cock

    Cock Mout’ Kill Cock

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    When Your Words Become Your Worst Enemy There’s something magnificent about a rooster at dawn. The way he stands tall, throws back his head, and announces to the world that a new day has arrived. His crow carries confidence, authority, the unmistakable sound of someone who believes he rules his domain. But in Jamaica, there’s…

  • Time Longa Dan Rope

    Time Longa Dan Rope

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    Trusting the Process, Holding the Faith, and Waiting Well “Time longa dan rope,” the elders say. It’s not just a proverb. It’s a balm; a quiet assurance for souls tired of waiting. In English, it means time is longer than rope no matter how twisted, tangled, or tight the situation feels, time outlasts it. Time…

  • Hog Seh ‘Di More Yuh Look, Di Less Yuh See

    Hog Seh ‘Di More Yuh Look, Di Less Yuh See

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    Looking Isn’t Always Seeing Jamaican proverbs often use animals to deliver sharp social commentary, and “Hog seh ‘di more yuh look, di less yuh see” is no exception. This pig-inspired gem reminds us that appearances can be deceptive, and the more we scrutinize something without understanding it, the more confused we may become. This post explores the meaning…

  • No Mug Nuh Bruk, No Coffee Nuh Dash Weh

    No Mug Nuh Bruk, No Coffee Nuh Dash Weh

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    Keep Calm and Sip On — When Everything’s Actually Okay The Gentle Genius of This Proverb Some Jamaican proverbs are thunderclaps—bold, direct, and full of fire. But “No mug nuh bruk, no coffee nuh dash wey”is more of a whisper. A warm voice from your granny’s rocking chair reminding you: Don’t panic. Everything is still…

  • Yuh Cyaan Siddung Pon Cow Back An’ Call It Horse

    Yuh Cyaan Siddung Pon Cow Back An’ Call It Horse

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    Truth Can’t Be Faked In 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, and sitting on it doesn’t change its identity. This saying reminds us that labels…

  • Eye Nuh See. Heart Nuh Leap.

    Eye Nuh See. Heart Nuh Leap.

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    by

    Mak Spence
    in

    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…