If you were raised by a Black mama (or around one), then you know her tone is the law and her side-eye holds generational power.
Still, some people are out here acting like they wanna meet Jesus early. So here’s a loving PSA: These are the things you don’t say to a Black mama unless you’ve already picked out your funeral outfit.
1. “You trippin’.”
You just said your mama is irrational to her face. Congratulations. Hope the emergency room has Wi-Fi.
2. “I ain’t gotta do it.”
If she told you to take that chicken out of the freezer, fold the clothes or turn down that TV, you better believe you have to do it—or prepare to meet her wrath.
3. “Why you always yelling?”
Oh, you don’t like her tone? Cute. Now she really gonna give you something to yell about.
4. “You don’t know everything.”
She doesn’t need to. She birthed you. She wiped your behind. She does know enough—and she’s about to remind you.
5. “So-and-so’s mama lets them do it.”
Then go live with So-and-so’s mama. Matter of fact, let me help you pack.
6. “I’m grown.”
You grown? Then start paying bills, buying groceries and explaining why you still live here.
7. “That’s not fair.”
Neither was her working two jobs and still showing up to your school play with hot comb burns on her neck. But she did it. So hush. Life ain’t fair.
8. “I’ll do it later.”
Later doesn’t exist in Black Mama Time. There’s now, and there’s already too late.
9. “Whatever.”
You might think it’s just a word. She hears disrespect—and she responds accordingly. With force and scripture.
10. “Can I call you by your first name?”
You can try. But I do not recommend.
Photo Credits: Getty Images
