by Lehua Parker | May 20, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
sashimi
(sah-SHEE-mee) (n) Japanese for thinly sliced raw fish. Often confused with sushi on the mainland.
Example
‘When Kalei’s head broke the surface of the large saltwater pool at Piko Point, all he was thinking about was thinly sliced sashimi fanned on a bed of green cabbage and the hot wasabi paste he would mix with shoyu to make a dipping sauce.’ ~ One Shark, No Swim
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 | May 13, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
haumāna
(how-MAH-nah) Hawaiian word for student.
Example
“Okay, haumāna, sit down. We begin with the first lua ‘ai I ever learned.” ~Uncle Kahana
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 | May 6, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
nīele
(NEE-el-leh) (nvs) Nosey, to keep asking questions, busybody, curious in a rude way.
Example
After a summer spent avoiding our nīele questions about his lack of girlfriends and shepherding multi-bus stop excursions to the Honolulu Zoo, he’s counting the hours until he’s back at college and away from small town Lauele. ~ One Boy, No Water
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 | Apr 29, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
confunit
(con-FUN-it) Exclamation of frustration. Literally confound it.
Example
“Double-confunit with kūkae on the side,” he said. ~Uncle Kahana
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 | Apr 22, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
lū‘au
(LOO-ow) (n) a Hawaiian celebration feast.
Example
“He’s getting more and more pupule every day. Talking to himself. Puttering around the reef and docks with that dog. Now he thinks he’s cooking a Christmas lū‘au for one hundred people. Like he even knows one hundred people for invite!” ~ Liz
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 | Apr 8, 2013 | Learning ‘Ōlelo
mento
(MEN-tow) (nvs) Pidgin for crazy, not right in the head. Literally mental.
Example
English: Any sober adult who runs around the backyard shouting I’m a butterfly see me soar has a problem.
Pidgin: Cousin Eddie? Mento.
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