palala
Meaning: brother
Meaning
Usage: Used warmly between friends or to refer respectfully to another local guy. Hawaiianized adaptation of "brother", parallel to "braddah". Common across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island.
Examples
"Howzit, palala! Long time no see!"
"Dat palala over dea know how fo' fix your truck."
"Shoots, tanks palala, I catch you later."
Origin & Cultural Context
Origin: Hawaiianized adaptation of English "brother" (also influenced by Hawaiian palaoa/palalah).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "palala" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"palala" means "brother" in Hawaiian Pidgin. Used warmly between friends or to refer respectfully to another local guy. Hawaiianized adaptation of "brother", parallel to "braddah". Common across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island..
How do you pronounce "palala"?
"palala" is pronounced "pah-LAH-lah". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "palala" in a sentence?
Example: "Howzit, palala! Long time no see!"
Quick Actions
Related Pidgin Words
braddah
brother, bro, friend
buggah
bugger, guy, person, thing
beach boy
Waikiki surfing instructor, waterman ambassador, surf guide
blala
large local man, tough local guy
cuz cousin
cuz, cousin, friend
cuzzo
cousin, close friend, relative
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 concept of 'Ohana' means family, but can also include close friends and the broader community."
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