• 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.





                                        
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
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.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

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

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
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.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Faithful woman walking with patched clothes in the back.
Loyalty is often poorly rewarded.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Adulteress is not revealed to her husband.
The woman knows diminish her infidelities.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Skinny woman smells fishy.
Thinness does not suit women.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Woman without spell is boot of onion without garnish.
Every woman has her charm.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The woman is a cat, man is a zombie.
Woman is a secretive, man reveals the night.