SORRY FI MAAGA DAWG, MAAGA DAWG TUN ROWN BITE YU



The Most Gorgeous African Violet!



FYI, there is no correct spelling for patois, I try to spell it so the sound is the same as spoken!

"Sorry fi maaga dawg, maaga dawg tun rown bite you".

Translation:  Feel sorry for a meagre dog, that dog could turn around and bite you.

What does this mean:  If you feel sorry for someone in trouble and help them out, that same person can turn on you!  Be careful when helping others so there is no expectation of thankfulness, or grattitude.  Also, there can be no negative reprecussion on your part for helping. 

Sometimes you may help dig someone out of a ditch, figuratively, and once they get going they may surpass you in position, education, or financially.  This same person may snob you, and act as if they didnt get any help along the way.  That is why we are admonished to give without the expectation of receiving a reward otherwise these situations can be very hurtful.

Just a word of encouragement - never, ever allow a situation as explained above to stop you from offering help.  If you do, you will allow other people to rob you of your joy and blessings.

MissSam

October 24, 2013

MAN KAA HAVE DAG AN BALK

I just love it when I'm having a conversation with someone and out comes one of these gems, priceless!  This is usually followed by gales of laughter and really brightens up my day. 

 

A SPECIAL CARD
 

"Man kaa have dag an balk" - I got this one from a Guyanese friend.  Turns out these wonderful proverbs are not exclusive to Jamaicans!

Translation:  Man cannot have a dog and bark.  If you have a dog, the dog should do the barking, not you.

What does this mean?  This proverb is about allowing people to do their jobs, delegating and allowing individuals to do their assigned tasks without interference.  For example, if you have an assistant, and you are constantly doing the tasks or duties that were assigned to the assistant, it causes confusion.  If you keep doing this, out of frustration the assistant could say to you, "man kaa have dag an balk"!

So, if you have a dog, dont be barking today, you hear me!

MissSam

EVERY BADY HAFFI PAGGLE DEM OWN CANNU

October 11, 2013

For all you single ladies, here a folk song to relish your singularity!

Mi nuh haffi worry up mi mine
Mi paggle me own cannu
Mi drink mi rum
Mi smoke mi pipe, an
M cock up mi foot as me like!


TORONTO HARBOUR



"Every bady haffi paggle dem own cannu"

Translation:  Everybody has to paddle their own canoe.

What does this mean?  This proverb is about taking personal responsibility.  Take charge and run your own life!

Application:  Yu mean yu waan mi fi look after yu pickney dem?  No chile, every bady haffi paggle dem own cannu! 

You children are your responsibility, you must take charge and look after your own household.  This proverb is also used in situations were a family member or close friend continually borrow money even though they may have employment but does not use their money wisely.

Have a super Sunday!

MissSam

YU CAAN GI PEEPLE BASKIT FI CARRY WATA

LAKE ONTARIO - FROM DOWNTOWN TORONTO

"Yu caan gi peeple baskit fi carry wata".

Translation:  You cannot give people baskets to carry water.

What does this mean?  If you are assigning a task or have an expectation of someone, make sure they have the right tools, and their capability is in alignment with the expectation.  Do not expect the impossible from another, when it's something that you would not do because you would not want to do that thing; or could not do, because you do not have the skills set to do, something that you know that the person does not have the skill set either.

Application:  This proverb is used a lot in employee/employer or boss situations.  You want me to do what?  How do you expect me to do that when you know I do not have the right training?  Boy, yu caan gi peeple baskit fi carry wata!

Have a sensational Saturday!

MissSam

The blog of Proverbs: COCKROACH NO BUSINESS INNA FOWL FIGHT

The blog of Proverbs: COCKROACH NO BUSINESS INNA FOWL FIGHT:   This Proud Peacock stepped up to pose!    Translation:  Cockroach does not belong in a fight with hens. What does this ...

COCKROACH NO BUSINESS INNA FOWL FIGHT




This Proud Peacock stepped up to pose!



  Translation:  Cockroach does not belong in a fight with hens.

What does this mean?   If you are an "outsider" do not get involved with a fight between friends, spouses or similar situation.

Application:  I turned on my TV yesterday morning while getting dressed for work.  Day one of the U.S. Government shutdown and Sanjay Gupta was on talking about the roll-out of "Obamacare".  He said "for a lot of Americans this will be a new experience, they never had health insurance before"!  My immediate reaction was oh my God, is this a third world country or what! 

Immediately this proverb came to mind.  This was my reminder to mind my own business and stay out of American politics!

Sleep good,

MissSam