“De old people does seh…”
And just like that—your whole childhood flashes before your eyes.
If you grew up in a Guyanese household, chances are you’ve been hit with a proverb so sharp, it cut you and taught you a lesson at the same time. These sayings weren’t just words—they were weapons, warnings, and wisdom, all rolled into one sweet pepper sauce of truth.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and laugh (or cry) about the proverbs that raised us, warned us, and sometimes traumatised us.
“If snake bite ya and yuh see lizard, yuh does run”
Translation: Once you’ve been burned, you get suspicious of anything remotely similar.
Childhood context: You get licks from your mom for sneaking sugar out of the jar. The next day, you see her reach for the same jar, and suddenly, you start praying.
“When ya hand in lion mouth, tek time draw it out”
Translation: When you’re in a dangerous or tricky situation, be careful how you handle it.
Adult realisation: This was the Guyanese version of “Don’t rock the boat.” It’s also why we all learned to tell the teacher, “Miss, I just went to sharpen my pencil,” instead of snitching on the class disruptor.
“Wanti all, getti none”
Translation: Greedy people end up with nothing.
Practical use: You wanted chowmein, cook-up, and fried rice. Now yuh plate full, belly buss, and still you didn’t get plantain.
“Cockroach nah get no right in fowl party”
Translation: Don’t insert yourself in situations where you clearly don’t belong.
Back in school: This was your cue to mind your business when big people talking. Today, it’s your reminder to not enter the family WhatsApp group during politics season.
“New broom sweep clean, but old broom know de corner”
Translation: New things are good, but experience knows the hidden details.
Lesson: This one hits differently as you get older. Grandma may move slow, but ask her how to make garlic pork last ’til January.
“Cold water does cool hot iron”
Translation: Time cools tempers.
Parents’ version: After you get licks, they’d still give you fried rice like nothing happened. You just had to cool down. “You done now?”
“Empty barrel mek de most noise”
Translation: Loud people usually don’t have much substance.
Modern usage: Perfect for certain Facebook commenters and that one coworker who knows nothing but always has an opinion.
The Realest One:
“Yuh gon learn—either in joke or in cry.”
Whether through licks, embarrassment, or a good ol’ pot-spoon to the forehead, Guyanese proverbs didn’t just entertain—they built character.
Share Yours!
What proverb did your granny, mom, or neighbour shout from the verandah that still echoes in your ears? Drop it in the comments—we know you have at least five still haunting you!
Because in Guyana, you don’t just grow up… you grow up with a proverb on yuh tail!
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