all katsu

"All katsu" is a humorous, widely used slang term in Hawaii to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated or completely drunk. The phrase is a playful local adaptation that likely stems from the Japanese word "katsu" (as in chicken katsu, which is battered and deep-fried), drawing a parallel between being "fried" or "battered" and being drunk. It is primarily used by locals in casual, informal settings like beach barbecues, tailgate parties, or pau hana drinks with friends. While it is perfectly acceptable and often elicits a laugh among peers, it is highly inappropriate for professional environments or formal situations. The term perfectly encapsulates the local tendency to use food metaphors to describe everyday situations, blending Japanese culinary terms with English modifiers to create a uniquely Hawaiian Pidgin expression.

The tailgate party at Aloha Stadium was in full swing hours before kickoff. Uncle Boy had set up the pop-up tent, two massive coolers, and a hibachi that was already smoking with teriyaki beef and Portuguese sausage. Everyone was having a good time, passing around green bottles and catching up on family gossip while the kids tossed a football in the empty parking stalls.

By the time the sun started dipping behind the stadium, cousin Keoni was looking a little worse for wear. He had been matching Uncle Boy drink for drink since noon, and now he was leaning heavily against the tailgate of the Tacoma, trying to explain a fishing story that made absolutely no sense. His eyes were half-closed, and he kept dropping his paper plate.

"Eh, somebody grab Keoni's keys," Aunty Nani muttered, shaking her head as she scooped another scoop of mac salad onto a plate. "He stay all katsu already. No way he driving back to Waipahu tonight, he sleeping in the truck."