I’ll include some examples of pidgin, as well as taking a look at how pidgin language evolves. The terms are often – erroneously – used interchangeably, so I thought it was a topic worth exploring. I wrote recently about the origins of creoles and their use around the world, and that got me thinking about pidgin language.

In this look at pidgin language, I’ll be answering all of these questions and more. “This is a small kine dictionary, really.”Ī local, older male not necessarily related to you.What is pidgin? Is pidgin a language? Is it a dialect? And what is the difference between pidgin and creole? The opposite of “big kine.” Also means “no problem don’t worry about it.”

(Note: visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to learnĪbout the man who invented it.) Means “awesome, cool, amazing.”Ī little bit not very much. How to shaka: Make a fist and extend your pinky and thumb. Hawaiian hand gesture as a sign of approval, hello/goodbye and thank you. In Hawaii, it describes food as delicious. “Our restaurant is just mauka of the flower shop.” “Head makai for a few blocks and you’ll get there.”Ĭonversely, it means “mountain side,” or “upland” when giving directions. This means “ocean side,” or “towards the ocean” when giving directions. “Did you hear what he said? That guy’s lolo.” “I ate the whole garlic shrimp plate and got a kanak attack.”Ī Hawaiian language word meaning dumb, goofy or crazy. The feeling of intense laziness you get from eating too much. Equivalent of saying “hi.' (Response is not “Had choke surfers at Waimea Bay this morning.”Ī phrase used in reference to someone or something “that kind.” “You better use sun block, bumbai you goin’ get sunburn.” Local term for “or else.” Can also mean “later on.” “Whoa, the food at the luau broke da mout.” Something so delicious it could literally break your mouth. Words Every Visitor to Hawaii Should Know to Sound Local.Ĭommonly used Hawaiian word meaning hello, goodbye and love.Ī local, usually older female not necessarily related to you.

Learn hawaiian pidgin