pilau
The Hawaiian word for 'stink' is pilau.
pilau is a verb used to describe having a strong bad smell.
Meaning: have a strong bad smell (verb)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian beliefs, certain 'stinking' smells were occasionally interpreted as signs of the presence of ghosts or spirits.
- In traditional Hawaiian wayfinding, even a 'stink' or an unpleasant scent could be a vital sensory clue for navigating through different ecosystems or microclimates.
- Because Hawaiian is a Polynesian language, pilau shares a distant ancestral root with terms for 'strong odors' found in languages as far away as New Zealand.
Example conversation
Noelani and Keanu are cleaning the kitchen.
- NoelaniKeanu, pilau kēia pahu.Keanu, this bin stinks.
- KeanuʻAe, e hoʻi i waho.Yes, take it outside.
- NoelaniHe aha kēia e pilau nei?What is this that stinks?
- KeanuHe iʻa leiʻa kēlā.That is some old fish.
