daikon legs(DYE-kon leh-eggs) (n) Pidgin description of legs that a short, fat, and white.
Example
English: “Interesting choice, Michi-san. Have you seen these floor-length prom dresses?”
Pidgin: “Michi, you blind? That mini shows off your daikon legs!”
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
Calabash(cal-lah-BASH) A bowl or container often made of wood or a hollowed gourd. When used to refer to people, it implies a close friend or relative, i.e. someone so familiar he would eat out of the same serving bowl.
Example
English: “James is my father’s best friend’s son who grew up like a member of our family.”
Pidgin: “Jimmy? Calabash cousin.”
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
Sniff, lick, snort, tickle,
wag my tail in play, sly eye,
never show the truth.
~’Ilima
For more character haiku click here.
(koo-lee-ah-na) (nvt) Hawaiian word for right, privilege, concern, area of responsibility.
Example
English: “As responsible human beings we must take care of the earth! There are wastrels among us who must heed my words or our land will become a vast wasteland of corruption and filth where none can live! I call on you now to change your ways before it is too late!”
Pidgin: “What you mean, ‘not your kuleana?’ You breathing, right? You living, right? Taking care of the ‘āina is everybody’s kuleana, 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
Itchy wrist lei tight,
wiggle up ti leaf skirt, wait
for the drum beat. Dance.
~Char Siu