kotonk
Meaning: Japanese person born on mainland US
Meaning
Usage: This term refers to Japanese Americans born on the mainland. It's often used casually, but can be considered offensive depending on the context and the speaker's intent. Be mindful of who you're talking to.
Examples
"He stay one kotonk from California"
"Eh, you kotonk brah, you know da best plate lunch place?"
"My friend, she kotonk, but she like grind da local kine food."
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: This term originated as a Pidgin term to differentiate mainland-born Japanese Americans from those born in Hawai'i.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "kotonk" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"kotonk" means "Japanese person born on mainland US" in Hawaiian Pidgin. This term refers to Japanese Americans born on the mainland. It's often used casually, but can be considered offensive depending on the context and the speaker's intent. Be mindful of who you're talking to..
How do you pronounce "kotonk"?
"kotonk" is pronounced "ko-TONK". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "kotonk" in a sentence?
Example: "He stay one kotonk from California"
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Related Pidgin Words
hiapo
first-born child
kamaaina
local resident, child of the land, longtime resident, native-born
kāne
man, husband, male
māhū
third gender, in between male and female, transgender, homosexual male; crossdresser
pake
Chinese person, stingy (derogatory), of Chinese origin, of Chinese descent
pinay
woman of Filipino descent, Filipina woman
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 concept of 'Ohana' means family, but can also include close friends and the broader community."
Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!