elo
The Tongan word for "stinky" is elo.
elo is an adjective used to describe something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
Did you know?
- In certain Tongan contexts, calling a person elo is a significant social insult regarding their reputation, not just their hygiene.
- While English uses 'stinky' to describe a smell, Tongan speakers might use elo to emphasize the intensity of an odor through repetition.
- In Tongan, adjectives like elo can function as predicates, meaning you can say 'the fish is stinky' using only the word elo after the subject.
Example conversation
Sina and Sione are cleaning the kitchen.
- SinaSione, elo e pōpu ko ‘ení.Sione, this trash is stinky.
- Sione‘Io, tō mai ia kimuá.Yes, it has been here for a while.
- SinaLu‘i ia ki fai‘aki.Take it outside.
- Sione‘Oku ou ‘i ai.I am on it.
