I have often heard the term "Nurse or Teacher by profession" used by Jamaicans abroad. Please shed some light to the meaning of this terminology or phrase.

I guess they mean that they are qualified by actually working as a teacher or nurse rather than academically? But then again it could mean that they have qualified academically! THis is not much help I know. Just thinking about it, it seems to be an ambiguous statement.

I see where the expression was used in the Times of India to describe a teacher who was elected Mayor of a City in India and the context implies that it is what she does for a living. I guess it can be used to indicate what you are trained for and working at or what you are trained for but not actually doing now. So if you were working at McDonalds because you could find no work as a teacher, you could say to someone,"I am a teacher by profession, and I don't need to stay here [edited by TB.Net]!"

Awe Spooky, you almost made it through a whole post without getting edited...

The word used in this context simply means rubbish. What if I had used it to mean a game would you have edited it out, and couldn't you have left the other words? I doubt you would find anyone in Jamaica who considers that word offensive. We consider it an euphemism.

We take into account context when we compare posts to the guidelines. In this case, the term in question was judged to be offensive

Perhaps a teacher by profession is a person who is college educated (has a degree or degrees) whereas the teacher who teaches at a basic school is not regarded as such (I hope things have changed where a basic school teacher is now a college educated person). Correct me if I am wrong.

If I'm, say, acting in a theatrical production, the notes might say: Van, an architect (or whatever) by profession, is playing the part of XYZ.

In other words, I ordinarily earn my living "by [my] profession," but am being referred to for some other reason.

What's the point?

Someone asked!! Now you asked and someone is answering or attempting to; that's the point!

My perspective is :

A teacher by profession.

The person is a professional who happens to be a teacher.

The other side to this is, one may ask the question of another person, what is your profession ? An answer is then given, teacher by profession. This person that answers, "teacher by profession" may well be working as an Enviornmental Service Specialist (Janitor) or any
other job below his/her qualifications to survive.

All in All it's an honest manner of speech.

I thought if anyone had an answer, you would Spooky Dude! Thank you for the elucidation!!

I agree with "LiT". Spooky Dude, I thought you had the answer; but thanks for ur responses, and to everyone who also responded. However, a Jamaican who is currently teaching often refers to herself as a Teacher by Profession. She does the same to an RN. It tells me that she is one with complexes. (I am better qualified, etc.)

Jeez, I guess in that context it could be considered showing off. I think though 'lit' was referring to my response to her question!

Spooky you hit the nail right on the head.