Da kine wurd/frayze/turm uv da day: an den but!
While Pidgin’ is usually known for shortening words, phrases and sentences, it is also famous for adding words that make no sense unless you are fluent in da kine.
Many sentences end with but added on; as in: “hoo dat wun eez wun weenah, but!” (that one is a winner/the best!) Then, as if adding an extra word that makes no sense isn’t enough, more extra words can be tacked on. Like: “Eh brah, wot yu wuz dooeen ovah deah, an den but?” (what were you doing over there?) Other Pidgin’ speakers might prefer: “lah dat, but.”
As Canadians add “eh” to the end of their sentences or ‘80s Valley Girls might start every sentence with “Like” and end with: “you know?” Issei and Nisei (first and second generation Japanese immigrants) Hilo Pidgin’ speakers used to end their sentences with “yeh no?” or “no yeh?” (means the same thing) like old Beatniks would finish with: “ya dig?”
More examples of usage: “No mayk lah dat, but!” (don’t do that, don’t act that way, cut the attitude!), “An den wot?” (Asking for more detail.)
Sometimes when greeting a fellow local da kine speaker, a simple raising of the eyebrows followed by: “an den?” is the abbreviated way of saying “howzit brah, wussup wit yu?” (Fill me in,“wot da scoops?”)
A few more examples:
“I stay lookeen fo yu all ovah, lah dat.” (I’ve been looking all over for you.)
“Wot we goeen do, an den?” (What’s the plan?)
“Auwe, I wen fohget, but!” (Oh no, I forgot!)
In the introduction to this column, I asked you readers to pay attention ‘cause there might be a test later. Ha! In the first column I listed the various ways da kine is used as well as the products attached to the term. I also mentioned the local TV show: “Eh, You Da Kine, Ah.” And, I purposely omitted the most famous of all; testing the waters! I really expected to be taken to task for leaving out a name that has gone viral (or whatever it’s called in TV-speak). Millions of viewers have seen The Dog and his posse holding strategy sessions at his Oahu or Big Island offices, “Da Kine Bail Bonds;” an actual company name which still exists!
Pau fo nau
Da nex wun: ass why hahd
Wally Camp is a Big Island resident and linguist who writes a biweekly column, Pidgin’ on da Loose. He can be reached at hilowally@gmail.com