tantaran

The term "tantaran" is widely used in Hawaii's local communities, particularly among those of Filipino descent, to describe someone who is being a show-off, overly flashy, or arrogant. Derived from Philippine dialects, it entered the Hawaiian Pidgin lexicon during the plantation era when Filipino immigrants brought their expressive vocabulary to the islands. It is typically used in a mildly derogatory or scolding manner to call out someone who is acting too big for their britches, bragging loudly, or drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. While it can be used playfully among close friends, calling someone "tantaran" to their face in a serious context is a direct insult meant to humble them and remind them of the deeply ingrained local value of humility.

Marisol slammed the trunk of her Corolla, glaring across the Waipahu driveway. Keoki had just pulled up in his brand new, lifted Tacoma, revving the engine loud enough to rattle the neighbor's jalousies. He hopped out wearing fresh white slippahs and a thick gold chain that caught the afternoon sun, immediately bragging about the custom rims to anyone who would listen.

"Look at this guy, so tantaran," Marisol muttered to Nalani, crossing her arms in irritation. "We just came for eat the lechon, not for watch him act like he owns the whole subdivision. Every time he gets one new toy, he gotta make sure the whole block knows."

Nalani sighed, shifting her grip on the heavy aluminum tray of pancit they had brought. "Just ignore him, eh? If you tell him anything, he going just get more loud. Let him be tantaran by the garage while we go inside and get the good plates before the aunties take all the crispy skin."