Back to Phrases

Give 'um da shaka!

Meaning: hang loose hand gesture

Pronunciation: SHAH-kah
cultural beginner
cultural gestures greetings

Meaning

hang loose hand gesture

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Give 'um da shaka!" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"Give 'um da shaka!" means "hang loose hand gesture" in Hawaiian Pidgin.

How do you pronounce "Give 'um da shaka!"?

"Give 'um da shaka!" is pronounced "SHAH-kah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

When do locals use "Give 'um da shaka!"?

"Give 'um da shaka!" is a cultural expression used in everyday Hawaiian Pidgin conversation.

Related Phrases

Quick Actions

Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Pidgin often drops the 'to be' verb. Instead of saying 'He is tired', you say 'He stay tired'."

Local Culture Fact

"The 'okina (ʻ) is a consonant in the Hawaiian language representing a glottal stop."

Want to learn more? Check out our Learning Hub or Talk Story with Kimo!

Practice Your Pidgin

How Local You Stay?

Think you know how for use "Give 'um da shaka!"?

Take the Quiz →