chang (CHAHNG)
sometimes: changs
Slang A very cheap, frugal, or stingy person; a penny-pincher.
"He so chang, neva pay fo notting"
tita (tee-TAH)
sometimes: titah
Noun A tough, strong, independent, and no-nonsense local woman; often used affectionately as a badge of pride, though it can be derogatory depending on context.
"No ack, bumbai you goin get dirty lickin from dat tita who always like scrap."
koa (KOH-ah)
Noun The largest native Hawaiian tree, known for its fine, red wood. Highly valued for making canoes, surfboards, calabashes, furniture, and ukuleles.
"My unko wen make one beautiful koa bowl fo my graduation."
ai (EYE)
sometimes: ʻai
Verb To eat or consume food.
"Hui, you guys ready for ai? Da stew getting cold already."
hui (HOO-ee)
sometimes: hu-i
Noun A group, club, syndicate, partnership, or organization, often formed for a specific purpose or shared interest.
"I goin' join da hui fo' protect our aina."
broke da mouth (BROHK-dah-MOWT)
sometimes: broke da mout', broke da mout, broke the mouth
Idiom Incredibly delicious; tasting so good that it metaphorically breaks your mouth.
"Aunty's kalua pig wen broke da mout, eh!"