Bajan proverbs are short, sayings that express an obvious truth. They are creative, using rhythm and imagery to highlight the point.
Caribbean Dreams Magazine is interested in what you think some of these proverbs mean. What do you think "Mek sure betta than cock sure" mean? Comment Below!
Proverb Carpenter wife neva' live in a good house.
Translation Skilled labourers seldom take time off to use their skills for personal gain.
Proverb One hand ca'an clap.
Translation Co-operation is required.
Proverb De higher de monkey climb de more 'e show 'e tail.
Translation The faults of showoffs are revealed.
Proverb One one blows does kill ole cow.
Translation Trivial annoyances, if repeated enough, may cause major damage.
Proverb Don't tek a six for a nine.
Translation Don't missunderstand a person's true intentions.
Proverb Sometimes de same tamarind rod yuh cut does turn round and cut yuh own ass.
Translation A person can be harmed by situations he or she has created.Proverb If blackbird fly wid pigeon 'e will get shoot.
Translation Socializing with the wrong people can lead to bad results.
Proverb Better fish in de sea dan wha' ketch.
Translation Somewhere there is something/someone better than the one you have.
Proverb Early bird get de sweetest flower.
Translation The person who arrives early gets the best reward.
Proverb Rat mout does sell he head.
Translation Careless talk gets one in trouble.
Translation Skilled labourers seldom take time off to use their skills for personal gain.
Proverb One hand ca'an clap.
Translation Co-operation is required.
Proverb De higher de monkey climb de more 'e show 'e tail.
Translation The faults of showoffs are revealed.
Proverb One one blows does kill ole cow.
Translation Trivial annoyances, if repeated enough, may cause major damage.
Proverb Don't tek a six for a nine.
Translation Don't missunderstand a person's true intentions.
Proverb Sometimes de same tamarind rod yuh cut does turn round and cut yuh own ass.
Translation A person can be harmed by situations he or she has created.Proverb If blackbird fly wid pigeon 'e will get shoot.
Translation Socializing with the wrong people can lead to bad results.
Proverb Better fish in de sea dan wha' ketch.
Translation Somewhere there is something/someone better than the one you have.
Proverb Early bird get de sweetest flower.
Translation The person who arrives early gets the best reward.
Proverb Rat mout does sell he head.
Translation Careless talk gets one in trouble.
RELATED ARTICLES
About Barbados
History of Barbados
Fun Facts
Natural Attractions
Bajan Extras
Proverbs sourced from "Bajan Proverbs" by Margot Blackman
Photo compliments Barbados Tourism Authority - UK
Photo compliments Barbados Tourism Authority - UK
Caribbean Dreams Magazine is interested in what you think some of these proverbs mean. What do you think "De longest day does bring home night" mean?{fcomments on}
