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all buss up

Meaning: broken

Pronunciation: all BUSS UP
descriptions intermediate

Meaning

broken
drunk
messed up
injured

Usage: This phrase is versatile, describing physical damage (like a broken car), a person's intoxicated state, or even a general state of disrepair. It's a common expression in Pidgin to convey a sense of something being completely ruined or dysfunctional.

Examples

"all buss up stay broken"

"Da car all buss up afta da accident."

"Eh brah, you all buss up las' night, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: The term likely evolved from the English phrase 'all busted up,' reflecting the influence of English on Hawaiian Pidgin. The Pidgin version, however, carries its own unique flavor and cultural significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "all buss up" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"all buss up" means "broken" in Hawaiian Pidgin. This phrase is versatile, describing physical damage (like a broken car), a person's intoxicated state, or even a general state of disrepair. It's a common expression in Pidgin to convey a sense of something being completely ruined or dysfunctional..

How do you pronounce "all buss up"?

"all buss up" is pronounced "all BUSS UP". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "all buss up" in a sentence?

Example: "all buss up stay broken"

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Related Pidgin Words

Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"To indicate past tense, Pidgin often uses 'wen' before the verb (e.g., 'I wen go' for 'I went')."

Local Culture Fact

"The 'Aloha Spirit' is actually part of Hawaii state law (HRS [ยง 5-7.5])."

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