kanoho
The Hawaiian word for sassy is kanoho.
kanoho is used to describe someone who is bold and spirited, cheeky, impudent or saucy.
Meaning: bold and spirited, cheeky, impudent, saucy (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kanoho is the standard term for being sassy, you can also use kolohe to describe someone as mischievous, playful or feisty.
Did you know?
- The distinction between being 'sassy' and being 'disrespectful' is often determined by one's relationship to 'kupuna', or elders.
- The word kolohe is frequently used in Hawaii to describe animals, particularly dogs or goats, that exhibit a sassy or stubborn streak.
- In traditional Hawaiian folklore, the spirit of being kolohe is an essential characteristic of the classic trickster figure.
Example conversation
Noelani and Koa are talking about a younger sibling's behavior.
- NoelaniHe kanoho loa ka hōapaha.The younger sibling is very sassy.
- KoaʻAe, pololi loa ʻo ia.Yes, she is very cheeky.
- NoelaniUa kanoho ʻo ia i ke kūpuna.She was sassy to the grandparent.
- KoaHe mea kuleana kēlā.That is a problem.
