fiailoa
The Samoan word for nosey is fiailoa.
The phrase fiailoa is used to describe someone who is overly curious about other people's private business.
Did you know?
- In a traditional Samoan village setting, being too fiailoa can be seen as a breach of 'va', the sacred social space and relationships between people.
- While fiailoa describes a 'nosey' person, the root word iloa refers to knowledge or awareness. This makes the term literally describe a 'desire to know', framing curiosity as a craving rather than a personality trait.
- A person who is habitually fiailoa might be seen as someone who lacks 'mamalu', or dignity, because they are too focused on others.
Examples in context
- E fiailoa tele le tina.The mother is very nosey.
- Aua le fiailoa i mea e lē faatatau ia te oe.Do not be nosey about things that don't concern you.
Example conversation
Manu is asking too many questions about Losa's phone.
- ManuO ai lea o loo e savali atu i ai?Who are you messaging?
- LosaManu, e fiailoa tele oe!Manu, you are too nosey!
- ManuOu na'o le fesili lava.I was only asking.
- LosaE le tatau ona e silia.You should not pry.
