Proverb: Wen man belly full, im bruck pat

Translation: When a man’s belly is filled, he breaks the pot.

Explanation: When man is satisfied, he often forgets what hunger or need is, and will be indifferent to the sources of his repast or succour, until he again finds himself in need.

Proverb: Wha sweet a mout’ hat a belly

Translation: What tastes sweet in the mouth burns the belly.

Explanation: Some things are not good for us, although they appear to be exactly what we want. We should be cautious about what we latch on to, lest we cause ourselves much pain and embarassment.

Proverb: Me come yah fe drink milk, me noh come yah fe count cow

Translation: I came here to drink milk, not to count cows.

Explanation: Mind your own business. Enjoy what you are entitled to. Don’t worry about details which do not concern you.

Proverb: Hag nyam wha im myne gi im fah

Translation: The hog/pig eats whatever its mind gives it for [or wants].

Explanation: To each, his own.

Proverb: Bowl go, packy come

Translation: Bowl goes, calabash comes.

Explanation: It was very common occurence in traditional Jamaican life to see covered dishes carrying some delicious meal being borne by a child, and bound for some neighbour’s home. It was also customary, although certainly not mandatory, for the bearer to return with something for the sender, perhaps in a packy (calabash scraped and used as a bowl).

Also, one good turn deserves another.

Source: “Jamaican Proverbs” www.nlj.gov.jm/?q=jamaican-proverbs#dawg