Sereta Thompson

This year we’d like to honour the unique character of Jamaican mothers on their special day. Of all the things that set them apart, what they say to their children must top the list.
Enjoy their language and descriptive skills!

10. Stick bruk inna yuh ears… or you a walk pan dem?
Stick bruk inna yuh ears… or you a walk pan dem?
How does one walk on one’s ears? Ask your mother the next time you speak. 

9. Ah you a di madda? 
Ah you a di madda?
You dare not have opinions. That’s your mother’s job. 

8. Mi gi yuh nothing fi bawl fah?
Mothers love to ask this as they administer a good whipping. 

7. Come here to mi!
That is the exact point where you knew it was time to run!

6. Watch mi and yuh!
Watch mi and yuh!
Sounds unthreatening, but you’d better make yourself scarce. 

5. If I lick yuh, you see peenie wallie 
If I lick yuh, you see peenie wallie
 If I lick yuh, you see peenie wallie 

4. Yuh think me and yuh ah size? 
Yuh think me and yuh ah size?
You knew better than to answer this question if your mother ever asked. 

3. Don’t back ansa mi! 
Don’t back ansa mi!
But you just asked me a question…actually, never mind!

2. Go fi di belt!
This is not a minor errand. And we hope you never found it. 

1. Me bring you into this world…mi can tek you out! 
Me bring you into this world…mi can tek you out!
This is the number one boast Jamaican mothers love to say to their children. Just a reminder that they run things.

Did we miss any? Tell us some of the hilarious things your mother used to say to you.