Jamaican sayings make up that part of the culture that educates individuals about everything life has to offer.

Growing up, often you’d hear a Jamaican saying coming from a parent or grandparent. Depending on the saying, it would either make you laugh or make you wonder.

Even though some can be witty at times, the truth is, Jamaican sayings contain valuable meaning behind them.

As much as you may know and love your sayings, there are those that are not so popular because they are not used as often as before.

Here are several Jamaican sayings that are used mostly by the older generation.

1.”A swif mek wass-wass no gedder honey”
It is because of haste why wasps don’t gather honey
Meaning: Be strategic, not hasty.

2. “If you back monkey, i’m wi fight tiga”
If you support the monkey, it will take on a tiger.
Meaning: Encouragement and motivation drives and gives confidence.

3. “Paason cyann preach wid dutty collar, cause all yeye de pon him”
The parson (preacher) cannot preach with a dirty collar as everyone will be looking at him.
Meaning: Lead by example, you are already exposed as a leader.

4.”One finga cyaa catch louse”
One finger cannot catch a louse.

Meaning: It takes team work to achieve much.

5. “Di bigga di fish, di more butta it tek”
The bigger the fish, the more butter it requires.
Meaning: Bigger assignments takes greater effort.

6. “Tek whey yuh get tell yu get whey yu want”
Take what you can get until you can get what you want.
Meaning: Be content with what you have achieved while you work on your new goals.

7. “Yuh cyaan siddung pon bucket and draw wata”
You cannot sit on the bucket and draw water.
Meaning: Take action to make things happen.

8. “Two head betta dan one, even ifa coco head”
Two heads are better than one, even if some individuals are weaker.
Meaning: Invest in team, even if there are weaker ones among the team.

9. “When jackass smell caan, im gallop”
When a horse smells corn, it gallops.
Meaning: Motivation creates excitement.

10. “Wah good fi did goose, good fi di gander”
What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
Meaning: What goes for one, goes for all.

11. “Nuh cuss aliggetta lang mout till you crass di river”
Don’t curse an alligator about his long mouth until you cross the river.
Meaning: Always be mindful of your journey and who you need along the way.

12.”Scratch ole ooman back and shi wi mek you taste har peppa-pat”
If you scratch the back of the old woman, she will have you taste her pepperpot.
Meaning: Do good and it will return to you.

13.”Di Olda di moon, di bryta ih shine”
The older the moon is, the brighter it shines.
Meaning: Wisdom increases with age.