Glossary
Chee hoo– a colloquial expression of excitement. Can be used for celebration or as a challenge.
Fa’afafine– the recognized third gender in Samoa, individuals who are born with male genitalia but identify and are raised as women, either fully or in part.
Fafine aulelei– beautiful woman
Fale– house
Lavalava– a traditional item of clothing worn by men and women in the Pacific Islands, similar to a wraparound skirt or a sarong.
Leai– No
Loto’a– inside the fence.
Malo– Hello
Mana– spiritual power, authority or influence
O la’u ia – She is mine.
O outou o ‘au– You are mine.
Palagi– foreigner
Panipopo– coconut buns
Pepe– baby
Puletasi– a traditional style of modest two-piece dress worn in the Pacific Islands.
Tagaloa– the supreme ruler or chief of all gods in Samoan mythology.
Talitane– whore
Tapa– beaten barkcloth used as fabric
Taualuga– traditional Polynesian dance
Whangai– adoption or fostering of a child by family members