matapua'a
The Samoan word for "ugly" is matapua'a.
matapua'a is an adjective used to describe something that is displeasing to the eye or not aesthetically pleasing.
Meaning: displeasing to the eye, not aesthetically pleasing (adj)
Did you know?
- The word matapua'a begins with mata, which means 'eye'. This reveals that in the Samoan language, ugliness is conceptually framed as something that specifically offends the sight.
- Using the term matapua'a toward a person is seen as an attack on their entire lineage rather than just their individual face.
- While English speakers might use 'ugly' to describe a person, in Samoa, calling an object or an action matapua'a can imply that the behavior itself is socially or morally 'unseemly'.
Example conversation
Talisa and Manu are looking at a drawing.
- TalisaManu, e matapua'a lou ata.Manu, your picture is ugly.
- ManuE moni, e le o lelei.True, it is not good.
- TalisaE mafai ona e toe faia.You can do it again.
- ManuFa'afetai, Talisa.Thank you, Talisa.
