Growing up with a Jamaican mother, you might have had your fair share of heart warming meals and valuable life lessons. But along with it came, stern reprimands and corrective, consequence-driven actions. As we grow older, some of us now having kids of our own, we can now appreciate the wisdom behind every word, no matter how harsh it might have seemed at the time. Let’s honor our mothers this mothers day with 12 common phrases Jamaican mothers say with love.
- “If yuh mek mi tell yuh one more time”
- Translation: “If you make me tell you one more time.”
- Remember the dread that crept up your spine when you heard this? Jamaican mothers have a limit, and you don’t want to find out what happens when they reach it.
- “Come and Wash the two plates in the sink”
- Translation: “Come and wash the dishes in the sink.”
- Ah, the infamous “two plates” scenario. Spoiler alert: it’s never just two plates. But hey, those dishes taught us responsibility, right?
- “No man, do it. Cause you ah big woman/man”
- Translation: “No, do it. Because clearly you are now grown and know what’s best.”
- Here me when I tell you, Do NOT do it again! This is not encouragement, it is a warning.
- “Do it again, mi never see”
- Translation: “Do it again, I didn’t see it.”
- The sarcasm on this phrase hits so deep especially when it is usually followed a mishap you thought you could get away with. But hey, we learned our lesson (eventually).
- “Yuh chat too much”
- Translation: “You talk too much.”
- This reprimand served many purposes and lessons for us. Yeah, we’ve all been there. However, the common lesson learned? Some things are better left unsaid.
- “Yuh fi have sense”
- Translation: “You should have thought it through.”
- Ever found yourself in a pickle because you didn’t think ahead? Yeah, we’ve all got stories. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, right?
- “All those who don’t can’t hear must feel!”
- Translation: “Those who don’t listen will learn the hard way.”
- Ignoring your mom’s advice? Yeah, that never ended well. But hey, at least now we know she was right (as always).
- “So if yuh fren jump off a bridge yuh aguh jump off to?”
- Translation: “If your friend jumps off a bridge, will you follow?”
- Ah, the classic mom logic. But be honest, how many of you though yes in your mind?
- “Seh bet seh yuh nuh guh noweh”
- Translation: “Say ‘bet’ that you won’t go anywhere.”
- You know you messed up when mom cancels plans. Lesson learned: actions have consequences, folks.
- “Stop follow company”
- Translation: “Stop following the crowd.”
- Peer pressure? Not on your mom’s watch. She taught us the value of individuality and making our own choices.
- “Chicken merry hawk deh near”
- Translation: “When the chicken is merry, the hawk is nearby.”
- A gentle reminder to stay vigilant, even when having fun. Mom’s got her eyes on us, always.
- “Wah sweet yuh ago sour yuh”
- Translation: “What brings you joy now may bring you sorrow later.”
- Mom’s way of saying, “Think twice before you act.” Wise words to live by, wouldn’t you say?
As we move into mother’s day, let’s look at the fact that Jamaican mothers have always been tough. But from life lessons to heartfelt warnings, each phrase is a testament to the love she has for her children. So here’s to our Jamaican moms this May, who may have been tough on the surface but have hearts of gold underneath it all.
17 Comments
This is so cool! I love learning about other cultural phrases and saying. I can relate to the ‘two dish’ comment, my Latina mom says this all the time and indeed there are never just two dishes in there!
Jamaican mothers have a unique way of imparting wisdom through their words, even if they sound harsh at times. From lessons in responsibility to reminders of consequences, each phrase is a testament to their love and care.
Love this! This is a fun read; these are wise words from Jamaican moms.
I am always open to learning about other cultures. Especially on motherhood. What a fun read.
You know the interesting fact is that, when it comes from a mom, you’ll always remember it. I have learnt some Jamaican today, and am happy.
“Yuh chat too much” would definitely be something I’d be told, haha. I love all of these sayings!
I love reading about how moms are across the world. To be honest, a lot of these have similar undertones across cultures, especially those that lean into a “don’t test me” mood!
This is the first time I knew the personality of Jamaican mothers I can see that there are a lot of difference when it comes to mothers around the world.
This is super fun. I love the way mother’s find unique ways to impart their wisdom.
It would be an interesting exercise to see how common these sayings are across the globe. I’ll bet a lot of moms say similar things.
Your delightful piece captures the essence of Jamaican motherhood with humor and warmth. Each phrase resonates, evoking fond memories and laughter. Thank you for sharing these cherished cultural gems!
Ok, this is interesting to know about the translations of these sentences haha. When a Jamaican mother says these, I would know what it means.
I remember my mom saying ‘once with the mouth, twice comes the hand’ when we had to be reminded of something multiple times. It was a different time in the 70s.
Jamaican mothers and African mothers are very similar. I heard my mum’s voice while reading this. Hahaha.
This list brings back memories. Jamaican mothers have a universal way of expressing themselves. Thanks for the nostalgic reminder
What an interesting read! Actually, some of these things were also said by mom and we’re not Jamaican. 🙂
“So if yuh fren jump off a bridge yuh aguh jump off to?” – definitely makes sense and I would say the same thing to my own daughter/ son.
These are cool! These aren’t just what the Jamaican mom says but the lessons that we can learn from the simple things.