lōlō
The Hawaiian word for 'idiot' is lōlō.
The term lōlō is used to describe a person who is perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense, often referring to someone acting in a foolish or senseless manner.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, lōlō means crazy, foolish or senseless.
Did you know?
- The word lōlō refers to the physical brain as well as the state of being foolish. This creates a direct linguistic link between the organ of thought and the quality of lacking sense.
- In Hawaiian, the concept of being lōlō is often contrasted with naʻau, the gut or center of emotions. While lōlō is a failure of the head, the 'true' seat of intelligence and wisdom in traditional Hawaiian thought is the gut.
- In Hawaiian culture, calling someone lōlō can be a significant social faux pas because it suggests a lack of balance in one's mind and spirit.
Examples in context
- He lōlō kēia.This is an idiot.
- Ua lōlō ʻoe.You are an idiot.
- He kanaka lōlō ʻo ia.He is an idiot.
