haole

Hawaiian term for Caucasian; generally, but not always, derogatory. Pronounced "howl-ee," haole is a compound of ha, for "breath," and ole, for "no" or "without." Ancient Hawaiians prepared for religious ceremonies with deep-breathing rituals; American and European missionaries, who began arriving in the Islands in the early 19th century, placed no emphasis on breathing, and thus became known as h...

Subscribe or Login

Plans start at $5, cancel anytimeTrouble logging-in? Contact us.