pepelo
The Samoan word for "liar" is pepelo.
pepelo is a noun used to describe a person who tells lies.
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
Did you know?
- In many Samoan villages, if a person is branded a pepelo, the shame extends to their entire family or 'aiga, as much as the individual is judged, the lineage is also questioned.
- Because Samoan culture values va or the sacred space between people, calling someone a pepelo is seen as an act of 'closing' or destroying that relationship.
- To avoid direct confrontation, a Samoan might use the phrase 'e leai se upu moni' (there is no true word) to imply someone is a pepelo without using the insulting noun itself.
Examples in context
- O ia o se pepelo.He is a liar.
- Ua i ai se pepelo iinei.There is a liar here.
- Aua le avea ma se pepelo.Do not be a liar.
Example conversation
Sina confronts Manu about a false story.
- SinaE te pepelo, Manu.You are lying, Manu.
- ManuE le true, o le mea moni lea.It's not true, that is the truth.
- SinaO oe o se pepelo!You are a liar!
- ManuOu te le o pepelo.I am not lying.
