buss

"Buss" is a highly versatile Pidgin term derived from the English word "bust" or "busted." It is universally used across Hawaii by locals of all ages to describe something that is physically broken, severely damaged, or malfunctioning, often expanded to "buss up" or "all buss." In casual, adult settings, it also serves as a common slang term for being heavily intoxicated or drunk. While perfectly acceptable in informal conversations among friends, family, and coworkers, it should generally be avoided in formal or professional writing. Understanding context is key, as a "buss" car needs a mechanic, while a "buss" uncle just needs to sleep it off.

Kimo was supposed to help his uncle move a couch, but he showed up looking rough. "Brah, what happened to your truck?" Uncle asked, pointing at the dented fender and shattered taillight. Kimo just sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, some guy wen back into me at the grocery store parking lot. Now the whole passenger side stay all buss up."

They managed to load the couch anyway, tying it down with some frayed ratchet straps. After they finished unloading it at the new house, Uncle tossed Kimo a cold green bottle from the cooler. "Lucky we got 'em done," Uncle laughed. "If we waited any longer, I was gonna be too buss to carry anything."