Hawaiian Pidgin
Pidgin is a real, living language. It owes its origins to the many diverse cultures that arrived in Hawai’i. Derived mostly from English, Pidgin also incorporates true Hawaiian words and also phonetic derivatives. Pidgin is spoken to some degree by most locals in day to day life. Some true Hawaiian is also used. The bible has been translated into Pidgin and retitled ‘da Jesus book’ and is available in local stores. Below are some of the more common words you may hear and their meaning.
Ai yah : Woops
Aisus : Darn
All buss : Drunk
Akami : Intelligent
Any kine : Anything
An den : similar to “whats up”
Aole : No \ Never
Ass why : That’s why
Aurite : Alright
Boddah you : Is this bothering you
Brah \ Braddah \ Bruddah : Brother
Brok da Mout : Really tasty
Buggah : A guy
Bumbye : Eventually
Choke : Lots of
Cockroach : Steal
Da kine : the thing
Da cute : Precious \ Cute
Foa : to
Geev ‘um : Go for it
Grind : To eat
Hana hou : Again
Haole : Caucasian person
Hapa : Half
Hapai : Pregnant
Howzit : How are you?
Kay den : OK then
Like beef : Want a fight?
Lolo : Stupid \ dumb
Momona : Fat (in Hawaiian it also means ripe)
No can : I can’t
No moa : Run out \ none left
One : a
Ono : Delicious
Pau : Finished
Pau Hana : After work
Slippah : Flip flop \ plastic sandal
Try : Please