boro boro
Meaning: tattered
Meaning
Usage: "Boro boro" is used to describe something that is worn out, dilapidated, or in a state of disrepair. It can apply to clothing, vehicles, buildings, or any object that has seen better days and is falling apart.
Examples
"Throw away dat boro boro shirt already!"
"Da car stay boro boro, gotta get a new one."
"Eh brah, dis kine boro boro slippers, yeah?"
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: The term "boro boro" comes from the Japanese word "boro-boro," meaning "ragged" or "worn out." It was adopted into Pidgin English through the influence of Japanese immigrants who came to Hawai'i to work on the sugar plantations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "boro boro" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"boro boro" means "tattered" in Hawaiian Pidgin. "Boro boro" is used to describe something that is worn out, dilapidated, or in a state of disrepair. It can apply to clothing, vehicles, buildings, or any object that has seen better days and is falling apart..
How do you pronounce "boro boro"?
"boro boro" is pronounced "boh-roh boh-roh". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "boro boro" in a sentence?
Example: "Throw away dat boro boro shirt already!"
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
kuru-kuru
curly, spinning, crazy, going in circles
mempachi eyes
wide-eyed, startled look, bulging eyes
rubber zori
rubber flip-flops, slippers
s'koshi
a little bit, small amount
scosh
small amount, a little bit
all buss up
broken, drunk, messed up, injured
Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"Using 'mo' before an adjective creates a comparative, like 'mo bettah' for 'better'."
Local Culture Fact
"The kahakÅ (vowel with a macron) indicates a long vowel sound in Hawaiian words."
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