Meaning
'Duppy know who fi frighten' — a ghost knows whom to frighten. Bullies and troublemakers pick on those they judge won't fight back, the proverb warns: just as a duppy is said to scare only the timid and leave the bold alone, people who intimidate others choose their targets carefully, preying on the meek and steering clear of the strong. It is a sharp observation about how the aggressive test their victims, and a quiet nudge to stand firm, since fear invites the very trouble that boldness wards off.
Examples
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Him only trouble di quiet one dem. Duppy know who fi frighten.
He only bothers the quiet ones. A bully knows who won't resist.
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Dem wouldn't try dat wid a bad man. Duppy know who fi frighten.
They wouldn't try that with a tough guy. Troublemakers know whom to pick on.
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Stand up fi yuhself, for duppy know who fi frighten.
Stand up for yourself, because bullies target the meek.
Origin
'Duppy' is a Jamaican word for a ghost or spirit (from a West African, likely Ga or Twi, root). The proverb draws on the belief that a duppy only frightens those who fear it.
How it’s used
Said about bullying and intimidation, often to urge someone to show they won't be an easy target.