tagi pepe
The English phrase 'crybaby' is translated into Samoan as tagi pepe.
tagi pepe is used to describe a person whose feelings are easily hurt.
Meaning: person whose feelings are easily hurt (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb tagi (to cry) and the noun pepe (baby).
Did you know?
- Because Samoan culture places a high value on 'fa'aaloalo' (respect), using tagi pepe toward a superior is considered a severe breach of social etiquette rather than a lighthearted joke.
- The word tagi is closely related to the Maori word 'tangi', which can refer to a formal funeral ceremony.
- While tagi means to cry, it is also used in the context of traditional Samoan singing and poetry to describe a specific type of emotional longing or yearning.
Example conversation
Tasi and Talisa are arguing over a game.
- TasiSe'i va'ai i lau tagi pepe!Look at you being a crybaby!
- TalisaE le'i tagi ou mata, Tasi.I'm not crying, Tasi.
- TasiAe o oe o se tagi pepe.But you are a crybaby.
- TalisaStop teasing me right now!Stop teasing me right now!
