Bajan Sayings and their Meanings

Barbados is a thriving and robust society filled with a vibrant culture that has flourished throughout the history of the island. From the way in which they speak, the foods they eat and the ways in which they express themselves are all uniquely Bajan and showcase the interesting culture of the island. Many of the island’s local phrases and sayings come from a mixture of the islands African heritage and past European influence. Here is a list of a few popular Barbadian sayings and their meanings:

1. “As yuh land, yuh come ashore”- To wear something as soon as you buy it

2. “A eye full ‘en a belly full”- Seeing is one thing, having in your possession is another thing.

3. “Cat luck en' dog luck”- What one person may get away with, may cause problems for another. 

4. “De sea ain't got nuh back door”- The sea is not that safe a place; take every precaution necessary.

5. “Don't rush de brush and throw away de paint”- Do not allow haste to create problems for you. 

6. “De higher de monkey climb, de more 'e show 'e tail”- The more you show off, the more your faults are brought to the open. 

7. “De devil does find work fuh idle hands to do”- People with nothing to do, get themselves into mischief

8. “Egg ain't got no right ay rock-stone dance” - You should avoid situations which can be harmful to you. 
9. “Every bush is a man”-Be careful how you talk about people because you never know who might be eavesdropping.

10. “Evah pig got he Saturday”-Everyone will pay for his deeds at some point. 

11. “Give jack ‘e jacket”- Give credit where credit is due. 
12. “Good looks can' kaah tuh de shop”- Having physical beauty in itself does not offer any practical benefits 

13. “Hard ears yuh won't hear, own way you gine feel”- If you do not take heed to good advice, you will feel the negative effect of it. 

14. “If greedy wait, hot will cool” - Your patience in a situation will be rewarded.

15. “Monkey sih, monkey do”- A mild reprimand for imitating the behavior of others. 

16. “News don' lack a carrier”- There is always someone ready to spread anything newsworthy, especially if it's gossip. 
17. “Nuh name, nuh blame, nuh lock up, nah shame” - If no names are called, no one can be accused. 

18. “One smart dead at two smart door”- There's always someone ahead of you in the game.

19. “When yuh en' got horse, ride cow”- Utilize whatever resources you have available.

20. “Wait til yuh trough put an' bubble in it” - Mind your own business. 

21. “Wha' sweeten goat mout does bun 'e tail” - A source of great pleasure may turn out to be a problem later on . 

22. “Yuh got plaster fuh evah sore”- You have an answer for everything.