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Barbados : Language & Expressions
Barbados : Language & Expressions

Both English and Bajan can be heard around the island

Updated over a week ago

Updated 20 July 2023

English is the primary language on the island. In casual settings you are likely to hear Bajan dialect spoken. This Barbados language is a combination of British English and various West African languages. 

Here is a list of 10 popular Bajan sayings and their meanings:

1. “Hard ears yuh won't hear, own way you gine feel.”

Meaning: You should adhere to advice or you will end up feeling the negative effects.

2. “Cat luck ain dog luck.”

Meaning: Because something works for one person, doesn’t mean it will work for another.

3. “Every bush is a man.”

Meaning: Always be aware of what you say because people are always listening whether you realise it or not.

4. “De devil does find work fa idle hands.”

Meaning: People who have nothing to do generally find themselves in trouble.

5. “God don come, he’s send.”

Meaning: Help always comes when you need it and least expect it.

6. “If greedy wait, hot will cool.”

Meaning: Patience is important and will be rewarded.

7. “Evah pig got a Saturday.”

Meaning: Eventually everyone will have to pay for his actions.

8. “Don’t tek a six for a nine.”

Meaning: Try not to misjudge the true intentions of a person.

9. “Yuh got plaster fuh evah sore.”

Meaning: You have an excuse for every issue.

10. “Every fool got he sense.”

Meaning: Every person is good at something.

Bajan Proverbs

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