po
The Samoan verb for 'to smack' is po.
po is used to describe the action of slapping someone.
Meaning: to slap someone (verb)
Did you know?
- In Samoan, the word po is a homonym that also means 'night'. Depending on the context of the sentence, the same word can describe both a slapping action and the time of day.
- When using po in a formal setting, the speaker may use a 'chiefly' register of the language, which swaps common verbs for more prestigious terms to avoid sounding too aggressive.
- The gesture associated with po often differs from a Western slap, as it may be delivered with a flat palm to maximize the sound rather than the force.
Example conversation
Losa and Tau are arguing about a prank.
- LosaTau, au na po oe!Tau, I slapped you!
- TauE leai se mea na e po ai.You didn't slap anything.
- LosaNa po oe i le lima.I slapped you with my hand.
- TauE leai se mafaufau ia te oe.You have no sense.
