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gecko

Meaning: small lizard

Pronunciation: GEK-oh
animals beginner

Meaning

small lizard
house gecko

Usage: Refers to the small, harmless geckos commonly found in Hawaiian homes. They are generally seen as good luck because they eat insects.

Examples

"Get one gecko on da wall, dass good luck"

"Eh, one gecko in my house, gotta catch 'em."

"Da gecko, it good luck, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: Reflects the presence of these lizards in the Hawaiian environment, and the cultural association with good fortune.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "gecko" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"gecko" means "small lizard" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Refers to the small, harmless geckos commonly found in Hawaiian homes. They are generally seen as good luck because they eat insects..

How do you pronounce "gecko"?

"gecko" is pronounced "GEK-oh". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "gecko" in a sentence?

Example: "Get one gecko on da wall, dass good luck"

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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

"Hawaiian Pidgin (HWC) originated on sugar plantations as a way for diverse ethnic groups to communicate."

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