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Palai: fried. Pulehu: broiled. Pia, bia: beer. Pia kulina: cornstarch. Pinika, wineka: vinegar. Pipi: beef. Pipi kaula: beef jerky, broiled before eaten—also “pipikaula”. Poha: (Physalis peruviana) gooseberry in the tomato family, often used for making jam. Poi: cooked taro thinned with water and pounded into a paste—a staple of ancient ...
- Grindz. Also spelled “grinds,” this word is local slang for food, and you’ll see it used a lot on menus and in advertising. The word is often paired with ‘ono, meaning delicious (more on that below).
- ‘Ono. Pronounced oh-no, this is the local word for “delicious,” as in, Helena’s has an ‘ono Hawaiian food menu. For added emphasis, include so as in something is “so ‘ono,” like the Vietnamese-inspired grinds at The Pig and the Lady.
- Choke. Another local slang word you may encounter in Hawai’i is choke, meaning a lot. You might use it in a sentence along the lines of “there was choke chicken katsu at the potluck yesterday.”
- Pau. In Hawaii, when you are finished with something — be it a meal or work — you say you are pau, as in to say that you’re pau with the kalua pork on your Aloha plate.
Understanding Hawaiian Pidgin Slang is an important part of immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture. These phrases are used daily by locals, and knowing them will help you communicate and connect with people on a deeper level. From greetings and goodbyes to food and drink, there’s a wide range of Hawaiian slang phrases to learn.
Apr 3, 2024 · Hawaii is not just a tropical paradise; it’s a cultural melting pot with a language all on its own. In the spirit of embracing the unique charm of the islands, join us as we talk story about 27 slang terms you’ll only truly understand if you’re lucky enough to call Hawaii home. From “grindz” to “broke da mouth,” these words offer ...
- Quick Background on Hawaiian Slang
- Local Hawaiian Slang Dictionary
- Hawaiian Slang Adjectives
- Hawaiian Slang For Food
- Hawaiian Slang Directions, Places and Things
- Hawaiian Slang For People and Animals
- Hawaiian Slang Greetings and Phrases
Hawaiian slang, more popularly known as Pidgin, is Hawaii’s unofficial local language and can be heard spoken throughout the islands by the locals. It is a mix of English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese and Portuguese wordsthat came about in the 19th century when migrants came from those respective countries to work the plantations in Hawaii...
The following are helpful words and phrases to know when you visit Hawaii, with some you may not even hear but are fun to know anyway 🙂 Disclaimer: I have not studied the Hawaiian language, nor Pidgin, so I am not claiming to be an expert. The following translations are what I have learned the words to mean based on my own observations being in Ha...
Chang
What does chang mean?This pidgin word means to be frugal or have a tight wallet, aka cheap. Example: No tip? You so chang, brah.
Choke
What does choke mean? In Hawaiian pidgin, choke means to have a lot of something. Example: “So, you catch any fish?” “Oh yeah. Choke, brah.” How do you pronounce choke?Exactly like how it is pronounced in English.
Irrahz
What does irrahz mean? Hawaiian slang short for irritating, annoying. Example: Stop that complaining. You so irrahz.
Aku
What is aku?Aku is the Hawaiian word for shipjack tuna, a local favorite in Hawaii. Example: Dis dried aku is so ono, ya? How do you pronounce aku?AH-koo
Broke da mouth
What does broke da mouth mean?This is one of my favorite pidgin phrases meaning something that tastes so good it hurts your mouth! Delicious. Example: “How’s da spicy tuna?” “So good! Broke da mouth.”
Crack seed
What is crack seed? Whenever we are in Hawaii we eat a lot of this and when we go home we bring a lot back as gifts! Crack seed is locals’ favorite snack food, and can be salty, sweet or sour. Examples: Japanese arare, li hing mango, candied ginger, dried cuttlefish, Hurricane popcorn
Aina
What does aina mean?Aina is the Hawaiian word for land. Example: Try respect the aina, ya? How do you pronounce aina?EYE-na
Coconut Wireless
What does coconut wireless mean? The coconut wireless is similar to “hearing through the grapevine”. It’s when gossip spreads super quickly through word of mouth. Example: “Who’s your new girlfriend?” “How you know I have a girlfriend?” “Heard through da coconut wireless.”
Ewa/Leeward
What does ewa mean?Ewa is used on Oahu as a direction, meaning westwards, aka towards Ewa Beach. You will also hear the word leeward used instead to mean the west side of the island. Example: They live ewa side. How do you pronounce ewa?EH-va
Aunty/Uncle
What does aunty/uncle mean? Older lady, older man. (Be careful not to call someone younger aunty or uncle) I quickly learned when we were out and about that Ryan would call everyone aunty or uncle but that didn’t mean they were related! Example: Hey Aunty, you know my maddah and fuddah? They owned the gas station in Hanapepe.
Chicken skin
What does chicken skin mean? Goosebumps. Example: How’s dat ghost story? I get all chicken skin!
Hanabata
What does hanabata mean? Nose boogers! This one originates from Japanese. Example: Hey, stop using your shirt and get one Kleenex for that hanabata!
Aloha
What does aloha mean?This is probably the most recognized Hawaiian word. It is used as a greeting both to say hello and goodbye, but it also stands for the feeling of love and kindness, aka the aloha spirit. Example: K dens, see you next week. Aloha.
Au’rite
What does au’rite mean?It’s the local way to excitedly say “all right!” Example: Aloha Friday! Au’rite!
Chee-hoo
What does chee-hoo mean?This is a very popular local phrase I hear in Hawaii. It’s an expression of excitement! Example: Three-day weekend! Chee-hoo!
Sep 29, 2023 · Understanding the local slang associated with food will not only enhance your culinary experiences but also deepen your appreciation for the diverse flavors that make Hawaii's food scene so special. Surf's Up! Hawaiian Slang for Surfers and Water Enthusiasts. Hawaii is renowned for its world-class surf breaks and vibrant water sports culture.
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Mar 21, 2018 · Pau/ Pau Hana: “all done!”. Kapu: This word came directly from the native Hawaiian language, and it was used as a term for the laws that were in place. Now that definition has expanded a bit to mean something along the lines of “forbidden”, usually because that place was and is sacred to Native Hawaiians.
