muli
The Tongan word for the English phrase "bum" is muli.
muli is used as an informal noun to refer specifically to the buttocks.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Did you know?
- While muli is the common word for the buttocks, Tongan has a distinct category of 'chiefly language' where entirely different words are used for the body to show respect.
- In a physical sense, if something is i he muli, it means it is at the back of a line or the end of a queue.
- The word muli is closely related to words in other Polynesian languages, such as the Maori word muri, which also means 'behind' or 'back'.
Example conversation
Losa and Tevita are laughing at a toddler who fell over.
- LosaNaʻe muli ʻa e tama!The boy landed on his bum!
- TevitaʻIo, naʻe hūfanga ia.Yes, he sat right down.
- LosaNaʻe fakamalu ʻa e muli.His bum cushioned the fall.
- TevitaʻOku ʻia ia ʻa e muli lahi.He has a big bum.
