Hawaiian (Pidgin) Phrases

B-52 Bombah

Large, flying cockroaches.

Beef

An invitation to a fight or altercation; asking if someone wants to engage in a physical confrontation.

Bumbai (bum-bye)

Otherwise; or else; later; later on.

Brah

A casual term of address for a male friend or acquaintance; similar to "bro" or "dude".

Broke Da Mouth

An exclamation for exceptionally delicious food.

Cherreh

Denotes something is good or excellent; a compliment.

Chicken Skin

Goosebumps.

Choke

A large quantity; plenty; abundant.

Cockroach

To steal; the act of pilfering.

Da Kine

A placeholder term for something or someone whose name is forgotten or unspecified; "whatchamacallit."

Fut (fu-t)

To pass gas; flatulence.

Green Bottle

Heineken beer.

Grinds/Grindz

Food; a meal.

Hana Hou (ha-nuh-ho)

"Do it again!"; a call for an encore.

Hamajang (ha-muh-jang)

Messed up; crooked; disorderly; in a state of disarray.

Holo Holo

To go out for a leisurely ride, walk, or pleasure trip; to wander or cruise around.

Howzit

A common greeting, like asking about someone's well-being or saying hello.

Irraz (ee-ruz)

Causing annoyance; a nuisance.

Kamaʻāina (ka-muh-ai-nah)

A long-time resident of Hawaiʻi, or native-born; often qualifies for local discounts.

Kanak Attack (ku-nack-uh-tack)

The feeling of sleepiness after eating a large meal; a food coma.

Kāne (kah-nay)

Male; husband; man; masculinity.

Kapu (kah-poo)

Forbidden; sacred; prohibited; taboo.

Keiki (kay-key)

Child; children.

L’dat (luh-dat)

A phrase signifying "in such a manner" or "it is so."

Mahalo (ma-ha-low)

Thanks; gratitude; an expression of appreciation.

Makai (muh-kahy)

Towards the ocean; seaward; oceanside (used for directions).

Mauka (mah-oo-kah)

Towards the mountains; inland (used for directions).

ʻOno (oh-no)

Delicious; tasty; savory.

ʻOhana (oh-ha-nah)

Family (encompassing blood-relatives, close friends, and colleagues).

Pakalōlō (pah-kah-low-low)

Marijuana; cannabis.

Pau (pow)

Finished; done; completed.

Poke (poh-kay)

A dish of diced raw fish, typically seasoned.

Pūpū

Appetizers; snacks; hors d'oeuvres.

Rajah (rah-jah)

An expression of agreement or affirmation, similar to "Roger" or "Understood."

Scosh (su-ko-sh)

A small amount; a little bit. (Derived from Japanese "sukoshi")

Scrap

To fight or argue; a physical altercation.

Shishi

To urinate; urine. (Often used with children)

Shoots

"Okay"; "Alright"; an expression of agreement or affirmation.

Slippahs

Footwear such as flip-flops or sandals.

Small Kid Time

Childhood; the period when one was young.

Tantaran

Boisterous; show-offy; flamboyant in behavior.

Tanks

An informal expression of gratitude.

Talk Story

To chat, converse, gossip, or share anecdotes, often at length.

Wahine (wa-hee-nay)

Female; woman; wife; femininity.