Quick Answer
"Lolo" (pronounced "LOH-loh") is a Hawaiian word meaning "crazy," "stupid," "dumb," or "feeble-minded." It comes directly from the Hawaiian language (not Pidgin) and is widely used in everyday speech. You'll hear "You so lolo!" (You're so dumb!) or "Dat was one lolo move" (That was a stupid move). It can be used playfully between friends or more seriously as an insult - tone and context matter.
ðĢïļ How to Pronounce "Lolo"
Breakdown:
- "Lo" - like "low" (rhymes with "go")
- "lo" - same sound, repeated
Say it naturally: "LOH-loh" - two quick, identical syllables
Note: This is a genuine Hawaiian word, not Pidgin-created. Both syllables sound the same!
ð The Meaning Behind "Lolo"
Hawaiian Origin
"Lolo" is a genuine Hawaiian word that predates Pidgin. In Hawaiian, it means "paralyzed," "numb," "feeble-minded," or "crazy." The word has been part of the Hawaiian language for centuries. When Pidgin developed, Hawaiian words like "lolo" were adopted because they expressed concepts perfectly. Today, it's used by everyone in Hawaii regardless of whether they speak Hawaiian or Pidgin.
Multiple Meanings
"Lolo" can mean different things:
- Stupid/Dumb: "Why you so lolo?" (Why are you so dumb?)
- Crazy: "Dat buggah lolo!" (That guy is crazy!)
- Silly/Goofy: "Stop being lolo" (Stop being silly)
- Confused: "I stay all lolo" (I'm all confused)
- Thoughtless: "Dat was lolo" (That was thoughtless/stupid)
Context Matters
Like many words, "lolo" ranges from playful teasing to genuine insult. Between friends joking around, "You so lolo!" is harmless fun. But calling a stranger "lolo" or using it in anger is definitely offensive. It's similar to calling someone "stupid" in English - okay among close friends in certain contexts, but otherwise rude.
ðŽ How to Use "Lolo" - Real Examples
"Eh, you so lolo - you forgot your keys again!"
Translation: "Hey, you're so forgetful - you forgot your keys again!"
"Dat was one lolo thing to do."
Translation: "That was a stupid thing to do."
"I stay so lolo right now - what we doing?"
Translation: "I'm so confused right now - what are we doing?"
"No be lolo - wear your helmet!"
Translation: "Don't be stupid - wear your helmet!"
"Da driver stay lolo - he went run da red light!"
Translation: "That driver is crazy - he ran the red light!"
"Sorry, I stay lolo today - no sleep last night."
Translation: "Sorry, I'm out of it today - didn't sleep last night."
ð Similar Hawaiian/Pidgin Terms
For "Crazy/Stupid"
- Lolo - Crazy, stupid (Hawaiian)
- Pupule - Crazy, insane (Hawaiian)
- Kolohe - Mischievous, naughty
Key Difference
- Lolo = stupid, dumb, confused
- Pupule = crazy, wild, insane
- Both from Hawaiian language
ð Related Hawaiian Pidgin Terms
Pupule
Crazy, insane, wild
Kolohe
Mischievous, naughty, rascal
Buggah
Guy, person, thing
Hamajang
Messed up, in disarray
Pilau
Stinky, rotten, bad
Junk
Bad, broken, no good
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