Tallawah
Also spelled: tallawa, talawah, tellawah
Meaning
Strong, sturdy, fearless, and full of fortitude despite small size. It carries the specific idea that physical smallness does not limit strength, courage, or resilience.
Examples
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“Shi likkle but shi tallawah.”
She's little but she's mighty.
Echoes the famous proverb; the classic frame for this word.
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“Di likkle bwoy tallawah, him nah back down.”
The little boy is tough, he won't back down.
Praising unexpected courage in someone small or young.
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“Wi people tallawah, wi survive whatever come.”
Our people are resilient, we survive whatever comes.
Used with collective pride about endurance and strength of spirit.
Origin
Widely believed to derive from a West African language; often connected to a term meaning strong or firm, though the exact source is debated.
How it's used
Respectful and admiring, immortalised in the saying 'wi likkle but wi tallawah,' a point of national pride. Suitable in most contexts.