Back to Dictionary

mean

Meaning: awesome

Pronunciation: MEEN
slang beginner

Meaning

• awesome
• great

Usage: In Pidgin, "mean" is used to express strong approval or admiration, similar to "awesome" or "great" in English. It can describe anything from food to accomplishments, conveying a sense of high quality or satisfaction.

Examples

"Da car stay mean"

"Dat poke bowl, mean brah! Ono!"

"Eh, you wen' pass da test? Mean, yeah?"

Origin & Cultural Context

Origin: While derived from the English word "mean," its usage in Pidgin has evolved to take on a positive connotation, reflecting the local culture's emphasis on enthusiasm and appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "mean" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?

"mean" means "awesome" in Hawaiian Pidgin. In Pidgin, "mean" is used to express strong approval or admiration, similar to "awesome" or "great" in English. It can describe anything from food to accomplishments, conveying a sense of high quality or satisfaction..

How do you pronounce "mean"?

"mean" is pronounced "MEEN". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!

How do you use "mean" in a sentence?

Example: "Da car stay mean"

Quick Actions

Related Pidgin Words

Pidgin & Local Culture Corner

Pidgin Grammar Tip

"Pidgin often drops the 'to be' verb. Instead of saying 'He is tired', you say 'He stay tired'."

Local Culture Fact

"Many Pidgin words have roots in Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian."

Want to learn more? Try whole sentences in our English to Pidgin translator, check out our Learning Hub, or Talk Story with Kimo!

Practice Your Pidgin

How Local You Stay?

Think you know how for use "mean"?

Take the Quiz →