pupule
/puˈpu.le/
The Hawaiian word for crazy is pupule.
pupule is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is insane or demented.
Meaning: insane, demented (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /puˈpu.le/.
Did you know?
- The word pupule is formed by repeating the word pule, which means 'prayer'.
- While 'crazy' in English is often used colloquially to mean 'cool' or 'exciting', using pupule in Hawaii to describe a person can sound much more serious and literal regarding mental instability.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, behaviors described as pupule were sometimes attributed to spiritual influences rather than biological illness.
Examples in context
- He kanaka pupule ʻo ia.He is a crazy man.
- Ua pupule ka poʻe i ka loli ʻana.The people went crazy from the changes.
Example conversation
Kiana and Kai are talking about a strange story they heard.
- KianaHe moʻolelo pupule kēia.This is a crazy story.
- KaiʻAe, ʻaʻole hiki iaʻu ke percaya.Yes, I cannot believe it.
- KianaPupule loa ka mea i wahi kēlā.The person who did that is very insane.
- KaiʻOia pēlā nō.That is true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crazy” translations and entries pupule, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pupule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
