Local Island Talk
Hawaiian Pidgin
Learn about Hawaiian Pidgin, also called Hawaiʻi Creole English, including its plantation-era roots, local identity, common phrases and everyday cultural meaning.
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 called Hawaiʻi Creole English, is a local creole language that developed in Hawaii during the plantation era and blends influences from several languages.
Is Hawaiian Pidgin the same as the Hawaiian language?
No. Hawaiian Pidgin is an English-based creole language, while ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is the Indigenous Hawaiian language. They have different histories, structures and cultural roles.
Where did Hawaiian Pidgin come from?
Pidgin developed as plantation workers from many backgrounds needed a shared way to communicate. It includes influences from Hawaiian, English, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and other languages.
Is Pidgin a real language?
Yes. Linguists recognize Hawaiʻi Creole English as a real creole language with its own grammar, vocabulary, rhythm and pronunciation patterns.
What does “da kine” mean?
“Da kine” is a flexible Pidgin expression that can refer to almost anything, depending on the situation. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
What are some common Pidgin phrases?
Common phrases include “howzit” for what's up, “ono” for delicious, “pau” for finished, “talk stink” for badmouth and “broke da mout” for extremely delicious.
Do people still speak Pidgin in Hawaii?
Yes. Many Hawaii residents use Pidgin in casual conversation, comedy, music, storytelling, literature and everyday local life.
Should visitors try to speak Pidgin?
Visitors can learn common words and phrases, but they should avoid mocking or exaggerating the accent. Pidgin is part of local identity and should be treated with respect.