muʻumuʻu
The Hawaiian word for dress is muʻumuʻu.
The word muʻumuʻu refers to an item of clothing that covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist.
Meaning: item of clothing which both covers the upper part of the body and includes a skirt below the waist (noun)
Did you know?
- The word muʻumuʻu is actually a verb meaning 'to be cut off' or 'to be severed'.
- Historically, the muʻumuʻu evolved from the 'Mother Hubbard' style of dress introduced by missionaries.
- While the muʻumuʻu is now a symbol of Hawaiian leisure, it was historically used as everyday housewear and sleepwear before becoming a public fashion statement.
Examples in context
- He muʻumuʻu hou kēia.This is a new muʻumuʻu.
- Makemake au i ka muʻumuʻu polū.I want the blue muʻumuʻu.
- ʻAe, he ʻoluʻolu ka muʻumuʻu.Yes, the muʻumuʻu is comfortable.
Example conversation
Malia is getting ready for a party.
- MaliaE nānā mai, he nani kēia muʻumuʻu!Look, this dress is beautiful!
- IkaikaʻAe, he nani loa kēlā.Yes, that is very beautiful.
- MaliaHe mea kūpono kēia muʻumuʻu no ke anuanu?Is this dress suitable for the cold?
- IkaikaʻAʻole, e hāʻawi i ka kapa.No, put on a cloak.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries muʻumuʻu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
