no 'nuff

The phrase "no 'nuff" is a direct, everyday Hawaiian Pidgin translation of "not enough," used universally across the islands by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is most frequently heard in situations involving food portions, money, time, or supplies, where someone is expressing dissatisfaction or pointing out a shortage. While perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, at family gatherings, or on a job site, it is generally avoided in formal or professional settings where standard English is expected. Linguistically, it showcases the Pidgin tendency to simplify negative constructions by placing "no" directly in front of the adjective or adverb, bypassing the standard English "is not" or "do not have."

Kekoa stared down at the styrofoam container resting on the tailgate of his Tacoma, his brow furrowed so deep it looked like a trench. The Kapolei sun was beating down mercilessly on the job site, and all he wanted after six hours of tying rebar was a proper feed. Instead, the new lunch wagon parked by the dirt road had handed him what looked like a keiki meal. Two measly scoops of rice, a sad little scoop of mac salad, and maybe four thin slices of teriyaki beef.

"Eh, what is dis?" he grumbled to his foreman, pointing a calloused finger at the pathetic spread. "I pay fourteen bucks for dis plate, and da meat stay no 'nuff for even feed one bird. How I supposed to finish da afternoon shift on dis?"

His foreman just laughed, already halfway through his own equally disappointing lunch. Kekoa aggressively stabbed a piece of beef with his plastic fork, muttering under his breath about how back in the day, a mixed plate actually meant something. He chewed the dry meat, already planning to stop at 7-Eleven for two Spam musubis the second his shift ended.