hohono

The word "hohono" comes directly from the Hawaiian language and is widely used across the islands to describe a very specific kind of bad smell—usually the acrid, sour stench of stale sweat or body odor. It is most commonly directed at kids who have been playing outside all day, or adults coming home from heavy physical labor.

While it literally means "to stink," calling someone hohono in a local context isn't always a harsh insult; it is often used affectionately or matter-of-factly by family members prompting someone to take a shower. However, using it to describe a stranger or a coworker in a professional setting would be considered rude and inappropriate.

Ikaika pushed the screen door open with his shoulder, his heavy work boots leaving faint red dirt outlines on the Makawao home's linoleum floor. He had spent twelve hours framing a new roof down at a dusty Kihei job site, and the heat had baked the sweat deep into his high-vis shirt. He was completely hohono, smelling like sour salt and exhausted muscles, and he tried to slip past the kitchen without making a sound so he wouldn't wake the baby.

Nanette was already at the stove, stirring a small pot of Portuguese sausage soup in the quiet evening light. She turned, catching the unmistakable scent of his long day, but instead of scolding him to get outside and strip down, she just smiled softly. She walked over, resting her forehead against his dusty shoulder for a brief second, ignoring the grime.

"Makoa finally went down," she whispered, handing him a clean towel she had pulled from the dryer. "Go wash off that hohono, yeah? Food going be ready when you pau."