fotofota
The Tongan word for massage is fotofota.
The word fotofota refers to the act of rubbing, kneading or hitting a muscled part of the body.
Meaning: rubbing, kneading, or hitting muscled part of a body (noun)
Did you know?
- Because Tongan is a highly hierarchical society, the way one asks for fotofota may change depending on whether the person is a social superior or an equal.
- The term fotofota is an example of reduplication, where the root word is repeated to indicate a repetitive or intensified action.
- The sensory experience of 'fotofota' is as much about the sound of the rhythmic hitting as it is about the physical touch.
Examples in context
- ʻOku ʻi ai ha fotofota fakamāloʻo.There is a relaxing massage.
Example conversation
Losa is tired after working in the garden.
- SioneKuou faka'amu ki ha fotofota, Losa.I want a massage, Losa.
- LosaKuou faka'amu foki ki ha fotofota.I want a massage too.
- SioneHai, te u fai ha fotofota kiate koe.Here, I will give you a massage.
- LosaMālō, Sione.Thank you, Sione.
