how you figgah
Meaning: how is that possible
Meaning
Usage: Used to express disbelief or to question the logic or plausibility of a situation. It's a common phrase when something unexpected or frustrating happens.
Examples
"How you figgah he did dat?"
"How you figgah da car broke down again?"
"How you figgah, no mo' food left?"
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: A Pidgin expression born from the need to express surprise or confusion in a simple, direct way, reflecting the multi-ethnic influences in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "how you figgah" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"how you figgah" means "how is that possible" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Used to express disbelief or to question the logic or plausibility of a situation. It's a common phrase when something unexpected or frustrating happens..
How do you pronounce "how you figgah"?
"how you figgah" is pronounced "how-you-FIG-gah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "how you figgah" in a sentence?
Example: "How you figgah he did dat?"
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
accidentally on purpose
doing something on purpose but making it look accidental
all jam up
crowded, congested
buss um out
break it out, start
das why hard
that's why it's difficult
i no kid you
I'm serious
i tink so
I think so, yeah right
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
"Hawaiian Pidgin (HWC) originated on sugar plantations as a way for diverse ethnic groups to communicate."
Want to learn more? Check out our Learning Hub or Talk Story with Kimo!