pulupulu
The Hawaiian word for the fabric cotton is pulupulu.
pulupulu is used to refer to the material or fabric known as cotton.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Did you know?
- While pulupulu describes the fabric 'cotton', it is also the word used to describe the fuzzy texture of mold or fungus growing on a surface.
- The repetition of the syllable 'pu' in pulupulu is a linguistic feature that can change the meaning of words in Hawaiian, often indicating a plurality or intensity.
- In ancient Hawaii, before cotton was introduced, people used 'kapa' cloth made from bark, so the term pulupulu marks a significant shift in textile history.
Examples in context
- He pulupulu kēia.This is cotton.
- He maʻemaʻe ka pulupulu.The cotton is clean.
Example conversation
Leilani and Ikaika are shopping for clothes.
- LeilaniHe pulupulu kēia kīkī?Is this shirt cotton?
- IkaikaʻAe, he pulupulu ia.Yes, it is cotton.
- LeilaniMaikaʻi, he mālie ia.Good, it is soft.
- IkaikaHe mea maikaʻi ka pulupulu.Cotton is a good thing.
