upu leaga
The Samoan phrase for bad words is upu leaga.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of upu meaning 'word' and leaga meaning 'bad', 'evil' or 'wicked'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase upu leaga is used for both the singular 'bad word' and the plural 'bad words' because nouns in this context do not change form to indicate plurality.
Did you know?
- In a traditional Samoan village setting, the use of upu leaga is often considered a physical transgression against the space rather than just a verbal one. It is thought to disrupt the 'mana' or spiritual power of a gathering.
- While upu leaga covers swear words, it also refers to 'cursing' in a spiritual sense, where words are believed to carry the power to bring actual misfortune.
- Because Samoan is a highly contextual language, a word that is not upu leaga in one setting can become one depending on the social rank of the listener.
Examples in context
- E le tatau ona e faia ni upu leaga.You should not use bad words.
- E tele upu leaga i lenei vitio.There are many bad words in this video.
- Na faia e lona uo ni upu leaga.His friend used some bad words.
Example conversation
Talisa is correcting Manu's language.
- TalisaManu, aua le faia ni upu leaga.Manu, don't use bad words.
- ManuFa'amalie atu, Talisa.I'm sorry, Talisa.
- TalisaE le sao le faia o upu leaga.Using bad words is not right.
- ManuOu te malamalama, e le toe fai.I understand, I won't do it again.
