Recently, some people have been arguing that the correct version of the popular Jamaican saying is “Horse dead and crow fat” instead of the widely known “Horse dead and cow fat.” However, whether this is true or not remains open to interpretation. Jamaican proverbs often evolve over time, with different meanings attached depending on the context in which they are used.
In fact, our cultural experts have found that some Jamaicans used to say a longer version: “Horse dead, cow fat, and donkey mawga (meager),” which was often used to describe long-winded and drawn-out stories. This version introduces another layer of meaning—the idea that while the cow benefits from the horse’s death, the donkey remains in a disadvantaged position, suggesting that not everyone benefits equally from someone else’s misfortune.
Expert Insights: Is It Cow or Crow?
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Joseph T. Farquharson, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics and Coordinator of the Jamaican Language Unit at The University of the West Indies, Mona, weighed in on the debate. In a social media post, he stated:
“I doubt the story about misquotation though. I am not sure how popular /frequent CROW is in Jamaican proverbs or Jamaican speech. This causes me to doubt that the version with CROW is the earlier version and the one with COW its derivative.
Second, it would suggest that the R was dropped from CROW which has no motivation at all in the phonology of the language. Dropping an R from a K-R sequence has not been attested in the language as far as I know, e.g. cry, crime, cringe, creep, etc. all keep the sequence. It would also require us to flip the vowel sounds from UO to OU.
So I am standing by COW as the original version and CROW coming later, created by someone who wanted the proverb to be more logical.”
Dr. Farquharson’s insights suggest that the commonly accepted “horse dead and cow fat” version is likely the original, with “crow fat” possibly being a reinterpretation introduced to make the proverb seem more logical.
Can Both Versions Be Correct?
Rather than debating which version is correct, it’s worth considering that both interpretations hold value depending on the context. The phrase “Horse dead and crow fat” clearly illustrates the idea that one man’s loss is another man’s gain—when the horse dies, the crow thrives on the remains. However, “Horse dead and cow fat” offers a more versatile perspective.
Many Jamaicans grew up using the proverb to refer to long, drawn-out conversations or situations that take too long to resolve. It was often said when someone was taking too long to make a point or when a situation seemed unnecessarily prolonged. Additionally, it can also imply that when one mouth is gone, there’s more grass or hay available, leading to the cow’s prosperity—aligning with the idea that fewer competitors mean more resources for those left behind.
A Proverb with Multiple Meanings
The Jamaican proverb “Horse dead and cow fat” proves to be a rich and flexible expression. It can serve as a lighthearted way to nudge someone to get to the point, or it can convey a deeper truth about how life’s ups and downs affect people differently.
Ultimately, whether you say “cow fat” or “crow fat,” both versions carry valuable lessons—highlighting the reality that while some suffer losses, others gain advantages. Perhaps the beauty of Jamaican proverbs lies in their adaptability and the way they continue to resonate across generations.
Do you say “horse dead and cow fat” or “horse dead and crow fat”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
