No nonsense black mamas have a language of their own, and anybody who was raised by one will recognize it instantly. While I resent the idea that all black women are snappy and quick to anger, I do admit that we usually don’t take kindly to disrespect. It starts at home with our mothers and from the time we are young, they have a series of sayings we hear well into our adult years. I’m sure if you’re a mother now, you may find yourself saying the same things your mother said to you.

Here are 21 black mama sayings that I’m sure we’ve all heard at some point.

1. “I’m not one of your little friends.”

2. “Do I look like booboo the fool?”

3. “A hard head makes a soft behind.”

4. “First of all, check your tone.”

5. “Stop all that crying before I give you something to cry about.”

6. “You got McDonald’s money?”

7. “Don’t you get in trouble following behind them white kids.”

8. “I hope you know that school work like you know them songs.”

9. “You smellin’ yourself.”

10. “When we get in this store, don’t touch nothin’.”

11. “Fix your face.”

12. “I don’t care what _______’s mama does. I’m not _______’s mama”

13. “Keep playing and see what happens.”

14. “Is that your lil’ friend?”

15. “Didn’t I tell you…”

16. “Don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash.”

17. “Stop running in and out of my house.”

18. “You smell like outside.”

19. “I brought you in this world, and I can take you out.”

20. “Go sit down somewhere.”

21. “If someone hits you first, you hit them back.”

Original article was published here.