People will tell you that Jamaicans are friendly, warm people who, once they admire you, will pull out all the stops to keep you smiling. Even, sharing a joke or two. But what they fail to remind you is that the jokes and pranks Jamaicans actually find
funny are few in numbers. What may be a joke to you, may be death to Jamaicans. And we’re not suggesting that Jamaicans can’t take a joke.

Jamaicans love a good time as long as it doesn’t involve mimicking, or making light of the following 10 things.

1. Blood

You’ll be silenced if you think you can entertain any conversation about it, including a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle.

2. Mother

Never joke about a Jamaican’s mother. Especially if you’re talking to a Jamaican man – he will hold a lifetime grudge.

3. Taxes

This is a sensitive word as Jamaicans generally believe they are heavily taxed by the government and are never able to visibly see how they or any member of their family have gained tangible benefits from paying taxes.

4. Incorrect fare or incorrect change (taxi).

A Jamaican taxi operator will ‘light you up’ with colourful words if you choose to “short” the fare charged for the trip. Likewise, Jamaican passengers will make it a point of their duty to collect every red cent of their change from the taxi operator. There’s no room for a tip.

5. Salary

Especially if it’s jokingly overstated, Jamaicans will assume that you are envious of their wealth.

6. A Denied US Visa

If you want the miserable side of a Jamaican, tease them about their inability to travel to the US or having their visa application turned down by the US Consulate.

7. Being called a thief

This is a serious insult, calling a Jamaican a thief may resurrect their demons.

8. Jacket (a child who isn’t a Jamaican man’s biological).

Because giving jackets is a common occurrence in Jamaica, most men don’t appreciate jokes about their child’s paternity.

9. Evil spirits/demons

A Jamaican may automatically assume that you dabble in devil worship if you crack too many jokes about this. And despite the prevalence of Obeah in the society, many Jamaicans are wary of those who are comfortable with the dead.

10. Police

For many reasons – both good and bad, mistrust of police runs deep among Jamaicans.

You may know a few other things Jamaicans will never joke about. What are they? Tell us in the comments. While you’re at it, subscribe to listsja.com so that you’re the first to be notified when we publish a fresh list on your favourite topics.