e te elo
In Samoan, e te elo is the phrase used to say "you stink".
This phrase is used to tell someone that their body has an unpleasant smell.
Did you know?
- In Samoan culture, the concept of va refers to the sacred relational space between people, and saying e te elo is seen as a violation of that space.
- The phrase e te elo is rarely used in formal 'lauga' or traditional oratory, where language is carefully curated to avoid any words associated with filth.
- While English speakers might use 'you stink' metaphorically to mean someone is a bad person, Samoan speakers tend to use e te elo quite literally to refer to actual bodily odors.
Example conversation
Tasi and Sina are standing close to each other.
- TasiSina, e te elo.Sina, you stink.
- SinaPoa, e le true!No, that's not true!
- TasiAe e te elo lava.But you really do stink.
- SinaOu te alu loa atu i le fuafoa.I am going to the shower right now.
