mean kine
Meaning: seriously
Meaning
Usage: “Mean kine” is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. It's similar to saying “very” or “really,” but with a stronger sense of emphasis and can also express a strong emotion or reaction. It can be used to describe both positive and negative situations.
Examples
"He stay hungry mean kine."
"Da sun burn mean kine today, gotta stay inside."
"She like dat food mean kine, she wen' eat all of it!"
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: This phrase likely evolved from a combination of English and Hawaiian Creole. The word “mean” is used in its original English sense of “intense” or “significant”, while “kine” is a Pidgin word meaning “kind” or “sort” that is used as a general intensifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "mean kine" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"mean kine" means "seriously" in Hawaiian Pidgin. “Mean kine” is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. It's similar to saying “very” or “really,” but with a stronger sense of emphasis and can also express a strong emotion or reaction. It can be used to describe both positive and negative situations..
How do you pronounce "mean kine"?
"mean kine" is pronounced "MEAN kyne". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "mean kine" in a sentence?
Example: "He stay hungry mean kine."
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Pidgin & Local Culture Corner
Pidgin Grammar Tip
"Negative sentences in Pidgin often use 'never' for past tense, as in 'I never see him' (I didn't see him)."
Local Culture Fact
"The shaka sign (🤙) is a common gesture in Hawaii expressing the 'Aloha Spirit'."
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