stink
Meaning: mean
Usage: As an adjective, stink describes a bad attitude, not a bad smell: someone acting stink is being mean or rude. It also shows up in stink face (a scowl), alongside stink eye and talk stink.
"How come you acting so stink to me?"
"No be stink, share da musubi wit your sistah."
"He get one stink attitude today, no talk to him."
Origin: From English 'stink', extended in Pidgin from a bad smell to a bad attitude.
What does "stink" mean in Hawaiian Pidgin?
"stink" means "mean" in Hawaiian Pidgin. As an adjective, stink describes a bad attitude, not a bad smell: someone acting stink is being mean or rude. It also shows up in stink face (a scowl), alongside stink eye and talk stink..
How do you pronounce "stink"?
"stink" is pronounced "STINK". Click the "Hear Pronunciation" button above to listen!
How do you use "stink" in a sentence?
Example: "How come you acting so stink to me?"
"Negative sentences in Pidgin often use 'never' for past tense, as in 'I never see him' (I didn't see him)."
"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!