Triniglish|Trinididioms spoken and explained #112
Yuh is ah Trini | "Picka Jook Meh"
If you have to get jook by picka I do hope that it was Timarie that jook you in the literal sense of the usage and not figuratively. If it was the latter then that could mean trouble later on if you are a lady but even worse if you are male. It is always better for the male to have the deed done by a lady, in this case T-Marie. This lady of the field may lie dormant in the ground but if you step on her (bare feet) then she would surely 'prick you'. I don't think that you need a hint to catch on here right - if you do they you definitely are not a Trini!
During the early years of my childhood we would kick ball (play soccer) in a make shift play field that had lots of Timarie. During that period most of us did not have sneakers for everyday use (the dorics, bata bullets and dragon sneakers) were meant for school use only. We used to play 'football' bare feet (the soles of our feet were tough0. This meant that we would frequently step on the picka trees (timarie) that would result in a serious 'ouch' and limping off the field. Today that would be laughed at by the kids. However, that was our world during that period of growing up in Trinidad. The following is a video clip showing the Timarie Plant.
We would always get pricked by picka (be careful now and don't get fresh OK). Even going into the bush (forested areas) to look for cocorite or balata meant going in bare feet. Sometimes when the areas were razed by fire and we entered (a week or so after the fact) we could be severely hurt because we went in bare feet and the stubs in the ground would pierce our feet. There was also razor grass that would easily cut our skin (short pants were worn) that left a burning sensation because of the sweat on the skin. Indeed in the forested areas there were some serious types of pikas trees that you may call thorns... we called them all pikah trees.
It was an amazing period in our lives and we had to deal with all kind of issues. The picka or timarie was one that I would always remember. I think the most popular picka plant was the one when you touched it the leaves would close (timid marie) and I believe that is the reason they called it timari.
In Trnidad, the term "picka jook meh" could also mean that you got into a situation that brought about trouble. Your dumb actions brought about trouble. As a result of your actions, 'picka jook yuh'. If you have a story or another thought about this phrase then please leave a comment. Have a wonderful day...