hula skirt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, specific cultural/performance context
Quick answer
What does “hula skirt” mean?
A grass skirt, traditionally made of ti leaves, associated with Hawaiian hula dancing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grass skirt, traditionally made of ti leaves, associated with Hawaiian hula dancing.
Any skirt or costume piece, often made of synthetic materials like raffia or plastic, designed to resemble the traditional Hawaiian dancing skirt and used in performances or themed parties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; both use 'hula skirt'. The concept is slightly more culturally familiar in the US due to Hawaii's statehood.
Connotations
Same core cultural connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used in specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hula skirt” in a Sentence
wear a hula skirtmake a hula skirtdance in a hula skirtVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hula skirt” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hula-skirt costume was a hit at the party.
American English
- She bought a hula-skirt accessory for the luau.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in anthropological, cultural studies, or performance arts contexts discussing Pacific cultures.
Everyday
Used when discussing costumes, themed parties, holidays in Hawaii, or cultural performances.
Technical
Used in costume design, theatre, or dance contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hula skirt”
- Spelling: 'hulah skirt', 'hoola skirt'. Using it to refer to any full or ruffled skirt.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes (from ti leaves or similar). Modern versions for costumes are often made of raffia, plastic strips, or fabric.
In traditional Hawaiian hula, male dancers historically wore a malo (loincloth) or trousers, not a grass skirt. The image of men in hula skirts is largely a tourist stereotype.
They are essentially the same. 'Hula skirt' specifies its use for the hula dance, while 'grass skirt' is a more generic descriptive term.
It can be considered cultural appropriation if worn without respect, understanding, or in a mocking context. Sensitivity to the cultural significance of Hawaiian traditions is important.
A grass skirt, traditionally made of ti leaves, associated with Hawaiian hula dancing.
Hula skirt is usually informal, specific cultural/performance context in register.
Hula skirt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhuːlə skɜːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhuːlə skɝːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Don't get your grass skirt in a twist" (humorous play on "don't get your knickers in a twist").”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think HULA = Hawaii + hULA (the dance) + skirt. A skirt for the hula dance.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISLAND PARADISE (The skirt metonymically represents Hawaiian culture, leisure, and exoticism.)
Practice
Quiz
A 'hula skirt' is most closely associated with which culture?