get nutz

The phrase "get nutz" is widely used across Hawaii by locals of all ages, though it carries a distinctly energetic, old-school slang vibe. It is most commonly used to describe situations where people abandon restraint, whether that means partying wildly, surfing a massive wave with zero hesitation, or giving maximum physical effort in a sport or fight. While it can describe literal anger or someone losing their temper, it is frequently used in a positive, hype-building context to encourage someone to go all out. It is appropriate for casual conversations among friends, at sporting events, or during pau hana gatherings, but would be considered too informal for professional or formal settings.

The rain was coming down sideways against the jalousies of Reggie’s Keaukaha home, rattling the glass like a handful of loose change. He and Ernie were sitting in the garage, nursing two lukewarm Primo beers and staring at a faded photo album from 1982. Back then, they were running a beat-up Toyota pickup down the old Puna dirt roads, chasing wild pigs with nothing but a rusty knife and a pack of fearless hounds.

"You remember dat one big boar by Opihikao?" Ernie pointed at a Polaroid of Reggie covered in mud, holding up a massive set of tusks. "Lurline was so mad you ruined her good towels when we came back."

Reggie chuckled, tracing the cracked edge of the photograph. "Ho, we used to get nutz back in da day. No fear, just go. Now my knees crack just walking to da mailbox, but man... we gave um."