etal in tutu
The Marshallese phrase for "go shower" is etal in tutu.
The phrase etal in tutu is used to describe the act of washing one's body by bathing under a spray of water.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, etal in tutu means "to go into the water".
Did you know?
- The word in within etal in tutu traces back to Proto-Austronesian *ini, a root shared by languages in Taiwan and Madagascar.
- While 'shower' implies a modern fixture, the word tutu in etal in tutu carries the heavy connotation of 'scrubbing' or 'rubbing' the skin vigorously.
- Because the Marshall Islands are coral atolls, the 'water' mentioned in etal in tutu is almost always brackish or salty if drawn from the ground.
Examples in context
- Etal in tutu.Go shower.
Example conversation
David and Rose are getting ready for a party.
- DavidRose, etal in tutu.Rose, go shower.
- RoseYaa, iakwe.Yes, I will.
- DavidIakwe jiki.Hurry up a bit.
- RoseIakwe, iakwe!Okay, okay!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries etal, in, CC BY-SA 4.0.
