Back to Dictionary

auwe

Meaning: oh my gosh

Pronunciation: ow-WEH
expressions intermediate

Meaning

oh my gosh
oh dear
expression of shock or dismay

Usage: "Auwe" is a versatile Pidgin exclamation used to express a wide range of emotions, from surprise and frustration to sadness and sympathy. It's often used in response to unexpected events or unfortunate situations, similar to "oh my gosh" or "oh dear" in English.

Examples

"Auwe! Look da mess!"

"Auwe, I forgot my wallet"

"Auwe, so sad!"

"Auwe! Da kine buggah wen' steal my plate lunch!"

"Auwe, brah, I wen' get one flat tire, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: The word "auwe" comes directly from the Hawaiian language, where it carries a similar meaning of lament or sorrow. Its adoption into Pidgin reflects the deep influence of Hawaiian culture on the local language.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "auwe" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"auwe" means "oh my gosh" in Hawaiian Pidgin. "Auwe" is a versatile Pidgin exclamation used to express a wide range of emotions, from surprise and frustration to sadness and sympathy. It's often used in response to unexpected events or unfortunate situations, similar to "oh my gosh" or "oh dear" in English..

How do you pronounce "auwe"?

"auwe" is pronounced "ow-WEH". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "auwe" in a sentence?

Example: "Auwe! Look da mess!"

Quick Actions

Related Pidgin Words

Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"The word 'pau' means finished or done, and is one of the most common loanwords from Hawaiian."

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 "auwe"?

Take the Quiz →