• Two men hugging

    Martinique Creole proverbs

Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a vibrant mosaic. The Amerindian heritage was supplemented by the dialects of French colonists, West Africans, and later Coolies from India and China. Contrary to popular belief, Creole proverbs are not words from the past, or “pawol an tan lontan” (words from the past) as they say in Martinique. Proverbs are immortal, eternal, and indispensable. As they say in Martinique: “Pa konnet mové” (It is bad not to know). Click on the title to read the moral.





                                        
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Hustlers do not sin.
People making use of ruse can not be considered faulty.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
"Tomorrow" is a fool.
You have to know to enjoy the moment, tomorrow is uncertain.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Once you have burned wood, it must make charcoal.
When the wine is drawn, it must be drunk.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Behind the dog is "Dog" before the dog it is "Mr. Dog."
People often act in a hypocritical manner.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Saying and doing are two different things.
There is a difference between talking and doing.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The devil does not sleep.
Wickedness is always in action.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The doctor treats patients, but he is not God.
A doctor can't do everything; God is above all.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
“Doctor” is not a (hierarchical) position.
Being a doctor doesn't mean you have a high social status.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
With money, we can do any dancing monkey.
With money, you can do anything.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
With patience, you can see the breasts of an ant.
You have to be patient.