Meaning
The turkey vulture — the bald-headed black scavenger bird seen circling over the Jamaican countryside. Because it feeds on the dead, 'john-crow' is also a heavy insult for a low, contemptible, or vulture-like person who preys on others. It appears in countless proverbs ('john-crow tink him pickney white') and place names (the John Crow Mountains).
Examples
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Di john-crow dem circle ova di dead cow.
The vultures circle over the dead cow.
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Yuh nuttn but a wretch john-crow.
You're nothing but a contemptible vulture.
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Every john-crow tink him pickney white.
Every vulture thinks its own chick is beautiful (every parent is blind to their child's faults).
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Di jankro dem a circle roun di dead cow.
The vultures are circling around the dead cow.
Literal use referring to the bird itself.
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Yuh nuh betta dan a jankro, tief off di dead man tings.
You're no better than a vulture, stealing the dead man's things.
Figurative insult for someone who exploits tragedy.
Origin
Of uncertain origin (possibly from a personal name or an African source); long the Jamaican name for the turkey vulture and a byword for a base person.
How it’s used
The turkey vulture; also a strong insult for a low, predatory person. Rich in proverb. See Patoo, Craven.