General
cranking
What does cranking mean?
Excessively greedy or grasping, especially for food or money. Spelled 'craven' in the classic dictionaries.
"Craven choke puppy — greed will be your downfall."
Origin
Jamaican Patois use of English 'craven' (cowardly → greedy).
Frequently asked questions
What does craven mean in Jamaican Patois?
It means excessively greedy or grasping, especially for food or money — someone who always wants more.
What is 'craven choke puppy'?
It's a famous Jamaican proverb warning that greed will be your downfall, like a greedy puppy that chokes trying to eat too much at once.
Where does the word craven come from?
It comes from the English word 'craven' (meaning cowardly), which shifted in Patois to mean greedy and grasping.
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