Talking Story

Learning ‘Ōlelo: whatevahs

by Lehua Parker

December 10, 2012

whatevahs

(wha EV ahz) Pidgin word used as a response that can mean almost anything from I don’t want to deal with/talk about it, I don’t know/care, or you’re a liar. Similar to a teenager’s English use of whatever and usually as annoying.

Example

No talk: “Lili! Your hula solo got canceled?” “Whatevahs.”

No care: “Jay, you like go movies or bowling?” “Whatevahs.”

Bulai:  “I wen skateboard down Ragsdale Avenue eyes closed!” “Whatevahs, Char Siu.”

Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc.  To see the current list of words, definitions, and usage please click on ‘Ōlelo Archive.

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