by Lehua Parker | Dec 31, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
Local / 
Local Style
(Lo-CAl) Adj. Someone originally from Hawai’i. Also used to describe anything typical of the way people do things in Hawai’i. People from Hawai’i automatically know that no matter where you are in the world, when someone from Hawai’i says someone’s local, they’re not talking about where they live, but where their heart is.
Example
English: Nili-boy now lives in France, but he used to live in Waimanalo.
Pidgin: Nili-boy? Stay local, brah.
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
by Lehua Parker | Dec 27, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
(how-oh-lee mah-kah-he-key ho) Hawaiian phrase. In Hawaii people say Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou when they wish someone a Happy New Year. It’s a direct translation from the English: hau‘oli means “happy” or “glad,” hou means “new” or “fresh,” and makahiki is easily translated into “year, age; annual.” Like most English adoptions into Hawaiian it works in a Spanglish sort of way.
But anciently makahiki referred to a season that began around mid-October and lasted four lunar months. During this time there was feasting, religious observances and ceremonies, games, sports, dancing, a respite from work, and a kapu on war. It was a time of peace and prosperity in honor of the god Lono.
May you and your ‘ohana enjoy the aloha of the makahaki season all year long.
Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Example
English: Happy New Year!
Pidgin: Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
by Lehua Parker | Dec 17, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
YOU
(yu) In Hawaiian Pidgin, used as an attention-getter generally at the end of a phrase, similar to “I’m speaking to you, idiot, so pay attention.”
Example
English: Please don’t make fun of me!
Pidgin: No laugh, you!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
by Lehua Parker | Dec 10, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
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.
by Lehua Parker | Dec 3, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
uji
(OO jee) Adj. Used as an expression of disgust at something really pilau from sweat socks to the kid who eats the paste during arts and crafts. Said when something makes your skin crawl.
Example
English: That garbage is smelly!
Pidgin: Uji!
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
by Lehua Parker | Nov 26, 2012 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
one:
(wŭn) Adj. Singular, a or an.
Example
English: Do you have an ‘ukulele?
Pidgin: Eh, get one ‘ukulele?
Note: ‘Ōlelo is a Hawaiian word meaning language, speech, word, etc. To see the current list of Hawaiian and Pidgin words, definitions, and usage please click on
