Jamaicans can be some of the nicest people you’ll meet but get on their wrong side and their insults will most certainly be stinging and blunt. They’ll use the colorful Jamaican language to tell you off in a heartbeat describing both you and their feelings towards you in equally measure. Here are some of the things you never want to hear a Jamaican say about you.
1. Mi Spirit Nuh Tek To Dem
Jamaicans will cling to this idea that their “spirit” does not like you and therefore you can`t be friends. It’s based upon what many people refer to as a gut feeling and Jamaicans place a lot of value on it. They will seek to find some fault with you and when you make a mistake they will quickly say “I told you…Mi spirit neva did tek to dem from mawning”.
2. Yuh a crassis
In Jamaican parlance, crassis means that you are bad luck and they want nothing to do with you. It could be that your presence is seen as interfering with an objective or goal, or that your actions are viewed as problematic or causing trouble with others. Either way, you had best get lost.
3. Yuh too bad mind
For many Jamaicans, ‘Bad Mind’ is one of the worst character flaws that a person can have. The saying means that not only are you envious of other people’s success but you are inclined to do things that will interfere with the progress of others. Not wanting to see another person succeed is a big no-no for Jamaicans and they will soon start avoiding you if you incur the ‘bad mind’ label.
4. Yuh ave no brothupsy
Simply put, your parents failed to instill in you the common decency that is essential to live cohesively within the society. Jamaicans place a high value on morality and decency. Even though it sounds ironic given the level of indiscipline in the country, you are definitely frowned upon if you fail to observe simple manners like saying “good morning” and “thank you”.
5. Yuh a get bun
It might be none of their business but that will not stop a Jamaican in the know from giving you the news outright that you are being cheated on. While no one wants to hear this unwelcome news, it’s best to seek proof before going off the hearsay as this is often quoted in jest for good humor. Some old wives tales say that missing a belt loop or even a strong sneeze in the absence of a cold are sure signs that “yuh a get bun”! SCROLL & CLICK NEXT FOR MORE
6. Fyah fi yuh
This phrase is commonly used in the Rastafarian community to imply that the wrongdoer will likely incur hell fire for whatever perceived sin they’ve committed. It could be something as simple as saying the wrong thing or flouting what is considered a sacred rule like eating pork. Either way, you can take it to mean that you will reap the just punishment for your misdeed.
7. Yuh Mowly
“Mowly” is the patois interpretation of moldy but in the Jamaican context it is meant to convey that you have an unpleasant body odour. Jamaicans generally dislike the smell of perspiration and will not hesitate to call you out if you were negligent in the use of deodorant.
8. Yuh too Beggy Beggy
Jamaicans are very generous people but we prefer that you wait to be offered than to come begging. If you make it a habit of asking for things without offering compensation of some kind then you will quickly earn the term as being beggy beggy.
9. You too Licky Licky
This is similar to beggy beggy but is usually in reference to someone who shows greedy tendencies and will quickly compromise their morals for material gain. The ‘licky licky’ person shows little regard for morals and principle and is focused on success by any means, which often involves engaging in activities considered by the general society to be less than honourable.
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