My favorite expressions are actually the unexpressed or unstated ones.
But I'll list the Creole expressions that I use the most:
1. Renmen a mò → love to death
Mwen renmen w a mò. - I love you to death.
2. Tèt mato → Bad, really bad driver
Tèt mato literally means hammer head
I just think it's a cool Creole expression.
"Tèt mato!" is what I yell at the driver who cuts in front of me on the road.
3. Poto mitan → an important or indispensable person.
Poto mitan literally means "central pillar"
My mom is my "poto mitan". I learned a lot from her.
4. Pawòl tafya → nonsense talk
"Pawòl tafya" literally means "words of a drunkard"
W'ap pale pawòl tafya! → You're talking nonsense!
5. Doktè de men → a doctor who practices medicine according to science, but also believes in witchcraft.
I know a few "doktè de men" who practice medicine in Miami. They have a lot of Haitian clients.
6. Gate san → (literally: spoil blood) → driving mad
This is my favorite expression. I use it all the time.
W'ap gate san m! → You're making me mad!
7. Yaya kò → to pick up after yourself a bit, pick up the pace
You are going to the movies with a friend. You're in a hurry, and your friend is taking his time, causing you to be late. You can tell your friend:
Yaya kò w non! → C'mon, hurry up!
8. Anba anba → in secret
Yap pale anba anba. → They're being secretive.
9. Bay poto → (literally: to give a stick) Not keeping your word.
My friend promised me that he'll come to help me paint the kids room yesterday, but he never showed up.
Li ban m poto. → He didn't keep his word to me.
10. Bay jarèt → (literally: to give a leg) To support.
Anpil peyi ap bay Ayiti jarèt.
Many countries are supporting Haiti.
11. Mete dlo nan diven w. → (Literally: Put some water in your wine.)
It means to Calm down, chill out, simmer down, cool it, compose yourself, control your emotion, etc....
Example:
Tata pa koute. Mwen pede di li pa kanpe sou chèz la. Kou l tonbe, l'ap mete dlo nan diven l.
Tata doesn't listen. I keep telling her not to stand on the chair. Once she falls, she'll simmer down.
