The expression "no dar papaya" translates to "don't give papaya” in English.
It comes as no surprise then that the saying has been popularised given that pretty much everyone can relate to it.
The expression "dar papaya" literally means to offer something valuable or desirable to others, which could make it easier for them to take advantage of you.
Ultimately, the assertion "no dar papaya" is a warning to be mindful and avoid unnecessary risks or vulnerabilities.
Anyone who has had the privilege to live in a Latin American country is no stranger to the perturbation of always being on the lookout in order to evade falling victim to crime.
From physically hugging your bag in public transport, to catching an Uber from door to door no matter the distance if it is late at night, the constant fear of getting robbed never vanishes from within you.
Every fibre of your body is hyper alert and knows deep down that anything could happen, anywhere, anytime, anyhow — no place is too safe or too sacred to be 100% out of harm’s way.
The most common, and the most sensible one may I add, is to never trust anyone you do not know.
I hope that you reading this never give papaya, wherever it is that you may find yourself.
As Kofi Annan one said, “Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere.”