Hawaiian Pidgin
Hawaiian Pidgin, also known as Hawaii Creole English, developed during the plantation era and blends elements from Hawaiian, English, Japanese, Portuguese, and other languages. Today, it's a living part of local culture - spoken in casual conversation, celebrated in books and music, and recognized for its unique flavor and identity.
Pidgin - Hawaii's Third Language
Pidgin is the Hawaiian English and it sounds like that - Eh, howzit? Wassamattah you? Cannah talk da kine? (Hey, how's it going? What's the matter? Can't you speak Pidgin?). You won't hear this type of talk anywhere else in the world but in Hawaii. That's why Pidgin is also considered a local attraction, so to say. If you are native English speaker you will still get the meaning, but if you're not it may be difficult to understand.
Since many tourists find Pidgin attractive, local travel companies like to hire Pidgin speakers as customer service agents because they talk with this accent on the phone and tourists like that, thus they are more likely to buy.
In fact, Pidgin has its own vocabulary and grammar. In the bookstores you can even find and buy a Pidgin dictionary and a Bible called "Da Jesus Book," which is fully written in Pidgin.
Pidgin originates from the plantation workers, who came to Hawaii in the 19th century. Pidgin has some Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and even other influences.
Some Common Pidgin Words and Phrases
Brah / bruddah: brother or pal. Most men refer to each other this way.
Broke da mout: delicious
Bumbucha: very big
Chicken skin: goose bumps
Fo' what: why
Fo' real: really
Garans: guaranteed
Grind: to eat
Hana hou: one more time
Hele on: let's go, get moving
Howzit: How are you?
Huhu: mad, angry
Keiki: child
Kokua: care, help
Like beef?: want to fight?
Lolo: dumb, crazy
Lua: bathroom
Moke: big, tough local
Nevah: never
Opake: ghost
Opu: belly
Okole: buttocks
Ono: delicious
Pau: finished, done
Pupus: appetizers
Spahk: check it out
Stink Eye: a very dirty look
Talk stink: badmouth someone
Tita: a very tough girl
Tutu: grandmother
Tutu kane: grandfather
Whaddsdascoops: What's going on?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Pidgin?
Hawaiian Pidgin, also known as Hawaii Creole English, is an English-based creole language that developed among plantation workers in the 19th century. It blends vocabulary and grammar from Hawaiian, English, Japanese, Portuguese, and other immigrant languages.
Is Pidgin considered a real language?
Yes. Pidgin is officially recognized as a creole language, with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation rules. It is used in daily life, literature, and even translations of the Bible like “Da Jesus Book.”
Where did Pidgin come from?
Pidgin originated during Hawaii's plantation era in the 1800s when workers from various countries needed a way to communicate. It evolved naturally by blending elements of multiple languages spoken by laborers and locals.
Can you learn Hawaiian Pidgin?
While Pidgin is mostly learned through immersion and local culture, there are books, dictionaries, and online videos that can help you understand and appreciate the language's nuances and humor.
What are some fun Pidgin phrases?
Popular expressions include “Howzit?” (How are you?), “Broke da mout” (tastes amazing), “Fo' real?” (Really?), and “Talk stink” (badmouth someone). Pidgin is expressive, colorful, and often humorous.