Quick Answer
"Choke" (pronounced "CHOHK") is Hawaiian Pidgin for "a lot", "plenty", or "an abundance". It has nothing to do with choking or breathing - instead, it's used to emphasize large quantities of anything from food to people to traffic. When someone says "get choke people," they mean there are lots of people around!
🗣️ How to Pronounce "Choke"
Breakdown:
- "CHOHK" - Exactly like the English word "choke" (like choking on food)
- Single syllable with emphasis on the long "o" sound
Say it clearly: CHOHK - same pronunciation as the English word, but with a completely different meaning!
Fun fact: The pronunciation is identical to English "choke," but in Pidgin, it means "a lot" or "plenty" - completely different meaning!
📖 The Meaning Behind "Choke"
Unique Pidgin Innovation
"Choke" as "a lot" is a unique creation of Hawaiian Pidgin. While the exact origin is debated, one theory is that it comes from the idea of having so much of something that you could "choke" on it - an abundance so large it's overwhelming.
Modern Usage
Today, "choke" is used to describe:
- Lots of food ("get choke grindz!")
- Many people ("choke people at da beach")
- Heavy traffic ("choke cars on da freeway")
- Abundant items or things
- Any large quantity or amount
Cultural Significance
"Choke" reflects the expressive nature of Hawaiian Pidgin and local culture's love for emphasis and colorful language. It's more vivid and impactful than simply saying "a lot" - it paints a picture of abundance that's characteristic of Hawaii's generous, sharing spirit.
💬 How to Use "Choke" - Real Examples
"Get choke grindz at da party!"
Translation: "There's lots of food at the party!"
"Choke traffic today, took one hour!"
Translation: "Lots of traffic today, took an hour!"
"Choke people at Waikiki this weekend."
Translation: "Lots of people at Waikiki this weekend."
"Costco get choke good deals today!"
Translation: "Costco has lots of good deals today!"
"I get choke homework this week."
Translation: "I have a lot of homework this week."
"Dis store get choke choices!"
Translation: "This store has lots of choices!"
✅ When to Use "Choke"
✅ Perfect Situations
- ✓ Describing abundant food
- ✓ Talking about crowded places
- ✓ Commenting on heavy traffic
- ✓ Emphasizing large quantities
- ✓ Casual conversations with friends
- ✓ Expressing excitement about abundance
- ✓ Social media posts about Hawaii life
❌ Avoid Using When
- ✗ Formal business communications
- ✗ Academic or professional writing
- ✗ Job interviews or formal meetings
- ✗ Speaking with visitors who won't understand
- ✗ Legal or official documents
- ✗ When precision is needed (use actual numbers)
💬 How to Respond to "Get Choke..."
Common Responses:
"Fo real?!"
Really? That's great!
"Lucky we live Hawaii!"
We're fortunate!
"Aurite den!"
Alright then, awesome!
"Das why!"
That's exactly why!
"Too much!"
So much! (agreeing)
"Shoots, let's go!"
Great, let's check it out!
🌺 Tips for Visitors Using "Choke"
💡 Tip #1: Remember it means "a lot," not choking
The word sounds like "choke" but has nothing to do with choking! It's purely about quantity - lots, plenty, an abundance. Don't be confused by the spelling!
💡 Tip #2: Perfect for describing Hawaii experiences
Use "choke" to talk about Hawaii's abundance - "choke aloha," "choke beautiful beaches," "choke good food." It captures the islands' generous spirit!
💡 Tip #3: Combine with other pidgin words
Try "choke grindz" (lots of food), "choke people" (many people), or "choke traffic" (heavy traffic) to sound more authentic when speaking pidgin!
💡 Tip #4: Use it to show enthusiasm
"Choke" often conveys excitement about abundance. When you say "get choke grindz!" you're not just noting quantity - you're expressing enthusiasm about the plenty!
🔗 Related Hawaiian Pidgin Quantity Words
Plenny
"Plenty" - lots of something, similar to choke
Hella
"Very much" or "a lot" - emphasis word
Little bit
Actually means "a lot" in pidgin (ironic usage)
Bumbye
"Later" or "eventually" - time expression
Grindz
"Food" - often used with choke (choke grindz)
Fo days
"For a long time" or "abundantly"
Want to Learn More Hawaiian Pidgin?
Explore our complete dictionary and translator!