who da guy?

"Who da guy?" is a common Hawaiian Pidgin expression used by locals to question the identity of an unfamiliar person, especially when that person is acting overly familiar, out of place, or drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. It is typically used in observational or gossipy contexts among friends and family, serving as a quick way to gauge if anyone in the group recognizes the stranger. While it is perfectly acceptable to use in private conversations to figure out someone's background or connection to the community, saying it loudly within earshot of the person in question can be considered rude or confrontational. The phrase highlights the tight-knit nature of island communities, where recognizing faces and knowing people's family ties is a fundamental part of daily social interaction.

The Hilo farmers market was already a muddy mess by six in the morning, the rain hammering the blue tarps strung up over the vegetable stands. Luzviminda wiped down her scale with a damp rag, her eyes narrowing as she watched the stall across the aisle. Lurline was bagging up rambutan, but she kept getting interrupted by a tall man in a brand-new aloha shirt who was leaning way too far over the folding table, talking loud enough for half the market to hear.

"Paulo," Luzviminda hissed, elbowing her nephew who was busy stacking the bitter melon. She pointed with her chin toward the stranger, who was now trying to haggle over a three-dollar bundle of apple bananas while acting like he and Lurline had been best friends for twenty years. "Eh, who da guy? He acting like he own the whole tent, but I nevah seen his face one time in my life."

Paulo squinted through the downpour, wiping the rain from his glasses. "I dunno, Aunty. He was asking the poke vendor if they had salmon earlier. Must be one new transplant." Luzviminda shook her head, already reaching for a fresh bunch of long beans. "Hmph. Talk too much, buy too little," she muttered, keeping a sharp eye on the stranger.