borot

"Borot" is a classic Hawaiian Pidgin slang term used primarily by locals to describe someone who is acting conceited, snobby, or overly arrogant. It is often directed at individuals who have forgotten their humble island roots, perhaps after moving away or coming into money, and return with an unwarranted sense of superiority. While it is generally used as a mild insult or teasing reprimand among friends and family to keep someone grounded, calling a stranger "borot" to their face can be highly offensive and provoke a confrontation. The exact etymology of the word is murky, but it perfectly captures the local cultural disdain for those who put on airs and violate the deeply held values of humility and community equality.

Aunty Mele was setting up the folding tables for the baby luau when her niece, Kiana, finally showed up. Kiana had just come back from her first semester at college on the mainland, wearing designer sunglasses and complaining about the humidity before she even said hello to anyone. She refused to help carry the aluminum pans of kalua pig, claiming she didn't want to ruin her fresh manicure.

The aunties exchanging glances in the kitchen didn't miss a beat. "Eh, look at Miss Hollywood over there," Aunty Mele muttered to Uncle Kimo as she wiped down the last table. "Go mainland for two months and now she ack all borot. Wait till her grandma catch her acting like that, going make her wash all the pots."