giri giri

The term "giri giri" is widely used across Hawaii by locals of all backgrounds, though it originates from Japanese immigrants who brought the word over during the plantation era. In standard Japanese, "tsumuji" is the word for a hair whorl, but "girigiri" (which can mean the very top or crown of the head in certain regional Japanese dialects) evolved in Hawaii to specifically describe a cowlick or the natural swirl of hair. It is most commonly heard in local barbershops, salons, or at home when parents are cutting their children's hair. The phrase is completely neutral and appropriate for all ages, though older generations sometimes playfully tease that having a double "giri giri" means a child will grow up to be stubborn or mischievous.

Frank adjusted the buzzing clippers in his hand, squinting through his thick glasses at the back of Makoa’s head. The morning sun was just starting to heat up the driveway of their Pearl City subdivision, illuminating the old fishing nets hanging in the garage. Chad stood by the washing machine, arms crossed, watching his dad work. "Just give him one fade, Dad," Chad said, checking his phone. "He going intermediate school next week, gotta look fresh."

Frank grunted, ignoring the request for a modern style. He pressed the comb flat against the boy's crown, where a stubborn patch of hair refused to lay down. "Cannot just fade 'em any kine way," Frank muttered, tapping the back of Makoa's head with the plastic comb. "The boy get one strong giri giri right here. You cut 'em too short, going stick straight up like one rooster. You gotta leave some weight on top."

Makoa shifted on the metal folding chair, rubbing his nose. "What is one giri giri, grandpa?" he asked, trying to look back. Frank just pushed the boy's head back forward gently. "Means you hardhead," Frank chuckled, blending the sides the exact same way he had done for thirty years, completely ignoring Chad's picture of the trendy haircut. "But no worry. Grandpa know how for fix 'em."