Quick Answer
In Hawaiian Pidgin, "cuz" (pronounced "kuhz", short for cousin, and affectionately called "cuzzie") means "cousin," "bro," "close friend," or "buddy." Whether someone greets you with "Howzit, cuz!" at the beach or says "Mahalo, cuz" at a lunch wagon, calling someone cuz welcomes them into Hawaii's extended ohana (family) circle. Note: in fast Pidgin texting, cuz can also be shorthand for "because" ("No can go cuz get work") β context makes it instant to tell apart!
- "Cuz" (kuhz) β Rhymes with "buzz" and "was." Short, warm, and upbeat.
- "Cuzzie" (KUH-zee) β Two-syllable affectionate form popular across Hawaii and the wider Polynesian Pacific.
Tone matters: With a warm smile or head nod ("Howzit, cuz!"), it means "my friend / family." Said sharply with a drop in tone ("Eh, cuz..."), it means "Hold on a second, watch yourself."
One of the first things visitors notice in Hawaii is that locals rarely address people with stiff titles like "Sir" or "Ma'am." Instead, island speech is built around kinship terms rooted in ohana (extended family):
Also, in tight-knit island communities, people genuinely have choke (lots of) first, second, and third cousins β plus "calabash cousins" (families so close they grew up sharing the same calabash bowl of poi). Calling someone cuz bridges that bond immediately.
How do locals choose between cuz, brah, and bruddah? Here is the breakdown:
Cuz / Cuzzie
Family-vibe & tight bond. Used for actual cousins, lifelong friends, or warm neighborhood camaraderie ("Thanks, cuz!").
Brah
Universal casual address. The everyday go-to in surf lineups, traffic, and quick conversation ("Eh brah, how da waves?").
Bruddah
Heartfelt brotherhood. Warmer and more personal, often used as a noun or title of affection ("Dat's one solid bruddah").
"Howzit, cuz! Long time no see β how da fambly?"
Translation: "Hey cousin/friend! It's been a while β how is your family doing?"
"Mahalo for da plate lunch, cuz β broke da mouth!"
Translation: "Thanks so much for the plate lunch, bro β it was unbelievably delicious!"
"Dat's my cuzzie from Waianae β we grew up surfing together."
Translation: "That's my cousin (or lifelong friend) from Waianae β we grew up surfing together."
"Shoots, cuz, I catch you bumbai after work!"
Translation: "Sounds good, friend, I'll catch up with you later after work!"
Brah
Hawaii's classic Pidgin word for bro, friend, or dude
Bruddah
Brother and trusted friend in island culture
Sistah
Sister, close female friend, or woman of respect
Ohana
Family and chosen community in Hawaii
Howzit
"How's it going?" β the #1 local greeting
You Da Man
Praising a friend who came through clutch
What does "cuz" mean in Hawaii?
In Hawaiian Pidgin, cuz (short for cousin, also affectionately called cuzzie) means a biological cousin, a close friend, a peer, or a friendly stranger. Just like brah, bruddah, sistah, aunty, and uncle, calling someone cuz reflects Hawaii's extended ohana (family) culture.
Why do people in Hawaii call everyone "cuz" or "cousin"?
In Hawaiian and local island culture, ohana (family) extends far beyond blood relatives. Addressing a friend, coworker, or neighbor as cuz (and elders as Aunty or Uncle) immediately treats them with the warmth, trust, and mutual respect of family.
What is the difference between cuz, brah, and bruddah?
All three mean friend or bro in Hawaii, with subtle nuances: brah is the most universal casual address (like "bro" or "dude"), bruddah feels slightly warmer and more soulful ("my bruddah"), and cuz emphasizes a tight, family-style bond ("howzit, cuz!").
What does "cuzzie" mean?
Cuzzie (pronounced KUH-zee) is an affectionate variation of cuz used across Hawaii and Polynesia (especially Samoa, Tonga, and Aotearoa New Zealand) to refer to a cousin or tight friend.
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