Yu Swap Black Daag Fi Monkey

You swap black daag fi monkey.

Translation:  You have traded a black dog for a monkey!

What does this mean?  This mean that you have traded one problem for another.  In Island and some other folklore, a black dog is bad luck or some such connotation.  A monkey is a symbol of something problematic, hence the phrase "monkeying around". 

Application:  This proverb is most often used in conversations around relationships, be it love, work or play.  For instance, A boss may have fired an employee and hired someone who looked promising during the interview process but no sooner the employment commenced signs of another problem or challenge began to rear it's head.  So, when  his buddy enquired how the new hire was working out the boss hissed his teeth and exclaimed, "boy, mi no know sah, me tink me jus swap black daag fi  monkey"!

 

Walk good,

MissSam

 

November 10, 2014

One One Coco Full Baskit

Cant believe I didn't do this one yet!  And, I cant believe I haven't done a post since June- oh joy - Summer! Saw a video of no other than Miss Louise Bennett this morning and guess what, even way back then, she did what I have been doing, tell the proverb and then give an explanation of the meaning and a story to illustrate and now I am so inspired!

One one coco full baskit.  

                                      

Edoes - a root vegitable

           

Translation: One by one coco  (edoes) will full the basket.

What does this mean:  A little effort diligently applied will yield bit results over time.  This proverb is most often used in conversation around savings or accumulation.  As a Investment Fund Advisor, when reviewing an account of a Jamaican expat who started out by putting away a small amount on a regular basis, I am often taken of guard when they blurt out  something like "good, I am glad I started, after all one one coco full baskit".


The Edoe (Coco to Jamaicans) Plant

Now a personal message to the young, you do not have to win the lottery or make "big" money in order to have money.  Just get in the habit of putting away a portion of your earnings on a regular basis, leave it to grow and over time you will be pleasantly surprised.

Happy gathering,

MissSam
October 25, 2014







+

Wah Drop Offa Head Wi Drop Pon Shoulda

"Wah drop offa head wi drop pon shoulda."

Translation:  What drop off you head will drop or land on your shoulder.

What does this mean?  I was talking to an elder client a few days ago -  I'm mentoring her granddaughter so I asked her if she knew I was mentoring her granddaughter - she answered in the affirmative and thanked me, so I said to her "you do so much for others, you do prison ministry and so much volunteer work, so "wah drop offa head wi no drop pon shoulder"!  She laughed, said she hasn't heard this in a long time.  So, the essence of this proverb is that when you do good, it will flow down to your loved ones!  My niece Nicole and I talked about that just yesterday, she is the most lovely young lady you could meet so I admonished her to continue to be who she is - do good and keep your thinking straight, you will continue to receive favour and blessings.

Do not be weary in well doing because "wah drop offa head wi drop pon shoulda"!

MissSam
June 10, 2014

Puss an Daag Nuh Hab Di Saam Luk

Blue

"Puss an daag nuh hab di saam luk."

Translation:  A cat and a dog does not have the same luck.

What does this mean?  Two people do the same thing, one will get away with it, and the other will get in trouble.  We see this all the time, sometimes showing up as favouritism, turning a blind eye for special people and for those who are not so favoured they get punished or the bitter consequences.

This proverb is often used with workplace issues, taking chances with the law and so forth.  An typical example as pertaining to customs and going to the U.S. on shopping excursions.  Some folks will buy a carload of stuff and never get stopped, others get hassled so often they don't even bother buying anything and so will say "mi nah buy nutton, caah badda wid di hassle, puss an daag nuh hab di saam luk!

Note:  Patois is phonetics, there is no correct to spell,  so I try to write as close to how it sounds speaking it.

May you have the best luck today!

MissSam

Sunday June 8, 2014

 

Habi Habi Nuh Want Ti, Waanti Waanti Caan Get Ti

"Habi habi nuh waanti, waanti waanti caan getti".

Translation:  "Have it have it don't want it and wanty wanty cant get it."

What does this mean?  A person who has something (a job, a spouse) treat it lightly and take it for granted and yet there is someone who desperately want that which is being taken for granted and cannot seem get it!

We see this all the time don't we?  Lesson - treat everything and everyone well and remember that one persons garbage or reject is another's treasure!

Walk good,

MissSam
Sunday May 4, 2014

 

Cock Mout Kill Cock

"Cock mout kill Cock".




This is the Killdeer - I call her the Drama Queen

Translation:  Cock mouth kills the Cock

What does this mean?  Well, the Cock wouldn't be Sunday dinner if it could keep it's mouth shut!  How about that!  Ever having an exchange of words with someone, you're finished and they just keep talking, inadvertently or unconsciously revealing information that works against them?  That's what this mean.

This happened to me recently.  I was locked into a "debate" with someone, I realized long ago that this person never admit an error or know when to stop so I said, we are not going to agree on this, and in the end it is pointless as there is nothing to gain by continuing so let's just stop and agree to disagree.  The person in question continued by email after agreeing to stop (which is the worst because now their communication is in writing) and that
 could be damaging against them.  At that point I recalled this proverb that someone used in a facebook discussion thread!

Know "when to say when", do not let the need to be right or to show how much you know end up costing you your reputation or the respect of your loved ones, peers or boss.

MissSam
Sunday april 27, 2014

Fire deh a Muss Muss Tail Im Tink A Kool Breeze

"Fire deh a muss muss tail im tink a kool breeze"!

Muss Muss is the Jamaican patois name for mice!  I don't know how my Country Folk of old came up with these but I get a good kick out if it.  Seriously, can you imagine a whole bunch of people thrown together speaking different languages and none of them understand the other?  Must have been a whole lot of pointing going on, no wonder us Jamaicans love to point finger so much!

Translation:  Fire on the "muss muss" tail he think it's cool breeze.

What does this mean?  My mother used to use this often when we as children, especially when we got to tween and teenage and became stubborn and mouthy.  It means that when you think you are having fun or skylarking a whooping awaits!

I say it now when someone gloats, or think they have an advantage over me and I can see around the corner and know what awaits them!  That speaks to the power of insight and foresight which is something that most young people lack.  Also someone like a new comer (job or country)  think they know it all, yet because of knowledge and experience you can see when they are being naïve and short sighted. 

Beware and be aware!

MissSam
April 18, 2014

 

 

Sumtime Yu Haffi Tan Pon Crucked Fi Cut Strait

"Sumtime yu haffi tan pon crucked fi cut strait."

Translation:  Some times you have to stay on the crooked to cut straight.


What does this mean?  You have a goal and what you are currently doing is sustaining you but it's not a direct route to that goal.  In order to encourage you to stay on the path and keep trying, the old folks would say something like this "nuh worry missis, sumtimes yu haffi tan pon crucked fi cut strait".



           

You want this ..............................                                             But can only afford this!

Enjoy the burger while you work your way up to lobster!

 

 

MissSam

April 11, 2014                   

When Yu Put Yu Han Inna Lian Mout Yu Tek Time Draw It Out

"When u put yu han inna lian mout yu tek time draw it out."

Translation:  When you put or place your hand in the mouth of a lion,  take your time to draw or pull it out.

What does this mean?  This is truly words of wisdom that I have called upon frequently over my lifetime, and as recently as this past week.  If you find yourself with problematic situation that is potentially damaging, dangerous or otherwise unpleasant, use wisdom to extricate yourself from the situation or solve the problem.  Do not use tactics or language that will escalate the situation. In extreme cases were folks insist on having "their rights" you could be right but dead! What is the use being DEAD right!  And what's the use of winning when it leaves a very bitter taste in your mouth or cost you time and money, especially when both are in short supply?  There is another popular saying that sometimes you win the battle but you lose the war or vice-versa.  What this is saying is that sometimes when you win you actually lose!

 Use this  very powerful proverb when asked for advice in handling problematic situations with difficult people, it will shine a new light or give new perspective.  The "grandmothers" who came up with this were very wise in deed.  In spiritual terms when we step back, remain calm and level headed amazing things happen.

See how you can apply this gem this coming week, school, work or play.

MissSam
April 5, 2014

Mangoose Seh If Yu Nuh Tek Chance Yu A Nuh Man

SNOWSHOEING ACROSS SUSPENSION BRIDGE - SCENIC CAVES

"Mangoose she if yu nuh tek chance yu a nuh man."


Translation:  Mongoose say if you do not take chances you are not a man.

What does this mean?  This proverb is about taking risk.  In my own experience, people used it to justify taking a risk, make excuses for haven taken an over-aggressive risk or trump up the courage to take a chance with something. 

The proverb came out observation of the need for the Mongoose to cross the road from one cane field to another.  The risk here is that the Mongoose might get killed by a vehicle while crossing the road, yet, to get to the other field it is necessary to cross the road.  It can be applied to just about any situation that involves taking a chance, like deciding to pull up stake and relocate in another town, city or even another country.  By taking a chance you show what you are made of - big and tough, or small and weak!

The thing is, without taking risks, you accomplish nothing.  Like the Mongoose, muster up the courage and cross that road!

Look what this Mongoose goes up against!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg9gkmWsEA


Happy day dreaming today.

MissSam

March 30,2014

Pick Yu Breed Before Yu Breed

Pick yu breed before yu breed.

Translation:  Pick (or choose) your breed before you breed (procreate)!

What does this mean?  I give +Sonia Mundle-Smith, my Facebook friend & high school alumnus,  for this one.  She posted a picture of a scene where the roads some place in the U.S.A. were under lockdown after a bank robery, and made the statement that her grandmother used to say "pick you breed before yu breed".  Oh, those grandmothers!  Most of these incredibly wise Jamaican proverbs originated from these witty grandmothers, stated with humour in the language they knew.  The caution of this proverb is if you want to avoid scenes like the one pictured on her post happening with a member your family being the bank robber, know the family you are getting involved with. 

This is nothing new of course, families have been "picking thir breed" from bible days.  The Royal Families around the world do it and even my father said he picked the prettiest girl in the district to marry.  Turns out she was not only pretty, she was smart, ambitious, forward thinking and hard working too.  With industrialization where masses of people moved to cities and peoples identities and background are hard to verify the art of "picking your breed" has lost it's importance somehow and yet, in my opinion, it is still very relevant if you want to - as +Bob Proctor would say "improve the breed".  Bob Proctor is a motivational speaker who was ahead of the curve in self development.

If you are single and dating, be conscious of this proverb.  If you have children, impart this gem to them early!

Enjoy your Saturday & walk good,


MissSam

Saturdy Mar 15, 2014

Yu A Mek Pavement Fi Monkey Skip

"Yu a mek payvement fi monkey skip".

Translation:  You are making pavement for monkey to skip.

What does this mean?  I nearly fell off my chair when my friend, upon enquiring why a certain friend and her child's father broke up she blurted out "her aunt didnt like him, she thought Mabel (not the real name) was too good for John (not his real name) and she used to say - heh, Mabel a mek payvement fi monkey skip"!  Mabel was a hard working woman, working two jobs, John was somewhat of a playboy, so the aunt thought Mabel was working so hard to make life easy for John. 

That was the very first time I was hearing this proverb, I had to ask my friend to repeat it sevaral times - and of course, I couldnt stop laughing.  How these old folks come up with some of these proverbs is beyond my imagination!

Enjoy, and remember, dont do all the work by yourself, it will be appreciated more when those you are working for have skin in the game.

Blessings,

MissSam
March 8, 2014

TROUBLE DEH A BUSH, ANAASI BRING IT COME A YAAD

Memories of Spring

"Trouble deh a bush, anaasi bring it come a yaad"

Translation:  trouble is in the bush, anansi bring it come home.

What does this mean?  I was visiting with a dear friend and she was telling me about her efforts to reconnect with a close childhood frind who happens to be her cousin.  She hasnt seen this cousin in over 30 years and wondered how she would feel if he didnt make the effort to communicate with her even though a direct message was relayed.  Then she said, you know, I have thought about it, and I would be ok with it - afterall, who knows what this person's life situation is like now, maybe it would be for the best because "trouble deh a bush, anaasi bring it come a yaad"!  In reality, somethings are better left alone or we inadvertently invite misery into our lives.  I thank my friend for this one.

Application:  Another example would be to offer to do a favour for someone and this favour end up costing you money and grief.  I had a classic example of that in a work place situation in December.  Lesson learned, and unfortunately it takes the humanity out of some situations because you not only learn think twice, but also count the cost instead of just responding to a need or an opportunity to be helpful and considerate!

By the way, for those who dont know, Anansi stories is a big part of Jamaican Folklore.

As we say in Jamaica, keep on chucking,

MissSam
February 5, 2014

WAH NUH DEAD NUH DASH WEH

"Wah nuh dead, no dash weh"

Translation:  What is not dead, dont throw it away.

What does this mean:  Another way of saying where there is life there is hope.  There is always hope.  I was reading this article, and the story touched my heart.  So many times we are quick to pass judgement and declare someone or something hopeless.

Application:  The story speaks for it self!  Google the story and read about this amazing transformation.  There is also an article about +Orlando Franklin in the Jamaica Gleaner.

Just an anecdote:  In 1981 I was working in an office building at Yonge & Sheppard.  One of the offices on our floor put on a plant that was almost dead.  The plant makes a lovely house or office plant.  I broke off the top which was still good, took it home and planted.  I had that plant up until 2008 when I had to give it away as I was moving from a house to an apartment and did not have room for it.

Walk good, and remember, it it nuh dead nuh dash it way!

MissSam
February 5, 2014 

IF YU NUH STEP PAN HANS YU NUH KNOA WAH INNA IM BELLY



Going Deep For The Nectar

"If yu nuh step pan hans yu nuh knoa wah inna im belly."


Translation:  If you dont step on an ant, you wont know what's in it's belly.

What does this mean?  You wont truly know what's inside an individual, how they feel about an issue until something comes up that triggers a reaction.  I had a live example this morning, and it was amazing to listen and observe how this individual reacted to something and how they displayed their belief system on the issues discussed without even knowing what's happening.

Application:  (when & how to use this proverb).  Let's say you are having a discussion with an individual who always maintained that they have forgiven someone with whom they held a grudge or bitterness, anger and or contempt.  A topic comes up where reference is made to that individual's behaviour from 20 years ago, and you, the listener said, "well, that's a long time ago, he or she is an adult now, is in a good career with responsibilities so you cant look at him or her the same way", the other party in the conversation freaks out  - and all hell break loose!  This is when you say - man, if yu nuh step pan hans yu nuh knoa wah inna im belly.  

It's been a while since I published a post, I didnt abondon my blog, just took a break - I'm back!

Enjoy,

Miss Sam
Jan 21, 2014