The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Yo have mo front 'n Katie Ben.

Submitter comment: You have more "gumption" than Katie Ben. The story goes back
to the 1940's in Saint Thomas when there was a problem with
the congregation of a Methodist church. Everyone was afraid
to talk about it, including the minister, even though all knew
a problem existed. Katie Ben, a child, got up in church and
spoke out or took the "front." The informant has no idea what
the problem was at the time but that is where this saying came
from.

Where learned: VIRGIN ISLANDS ; Saint Thomas

Keyword(s): 'n = than ; mo = more ; Yo = you

James Callow Keyword(s): Effrontery Boldness Audacity ; Personal name in proverb

Date learned: 03-00-1991

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