get choke

The phrase "get choke" is universally used across Hawaii by locals of all ages to describe an overwhelming abundance or a massive quantity of something. Originating from the English word "choke" (as in being choked or stuffed full to the point of overflowing), it evolved in Hawaiian Pidgin to function as an adjective or quantifier. It is highly appropriate in casual, everyday conversations—whether complaining about "choke traffic" on the H-1 freeway, bragging about "choke food" at a family gathering, or warning someone about "choke mosquitoes" in the valley. However, because it is distinctly informal slang, it should be avoided in formal writing, professional business settings, or solemn occasions. The addition of "get" acts as the Pidgin equivalent of "there is" or "we have," making "get choke" a fundamental building block of local expression.

Makana leaned against the tailgate of his lifted Toyota Tacoma in the Don Quijote parking lot, crossing his arms so his new tribal tattoo caught the overhead lights. He had just dropped entirely too much cash on a custom sound system and wanted everyone to know it. "Brah, you should see the amp setup behind the seats," he bragged to Hyun and Ligaya, who were just trying to eat their bentos in peace. "I get choke bass now. Like, rattle-your-teeth kind of bass. Nobody at Farrington got a system like this."

Hyun rolled his eyes, taking a slow bite of his garlic chicken. "Yeah, yeah, we heard you bumping from three blocks down the street. Sounded like your license plate was going fall off." Ligaya laughed, pointing her chopsticks at the truck bed. "You get choke bass, but you still get choke rust on your rims, Makana. Maybe fix that before you try deafen the whole neighborhood."

Makana’s proud smirk faltered as he looked down at the oxidized chrome he thought the dark parking lot would hide. He muttered something about ordering new wheels next paycheck, suddenly much less eager to crank the volume.