lau lau
Low (primarily used in Hawaiian contexts or by speakers familiar with Hawaiian culture)Informal, cultural
Definition
Meaning
A Hawaiian phrase meaning 'plenty' or 'abundance', often used to describe having more than enough of something.
In Hawaiian culture, it conveys a sense of generosity, sufficiency, and the sharing of resources. It can refer to food, time, or material goods being plentiful.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a loan phrase from Hawaiian. It functions as an adverb or adjective in English contexts. Its use outside Hawaiian or Hawaii-related settings is rare and may be seen as affectation unless the speaker has cultural ties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no usage in mainstream British English. In American English, usage is almost exclusively limited to Hawaii, diaspora communities, or contexts explicitly discussing Hawaiian culture.
Connotations
In appropriate contexts, it connotes authenticity, cultural connection, and the values of the Hawaiian 'ohana (family). Used elsewhere, it may be perceived as exoticism or cultural appropriation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, with marginally higher recognition in American English due to Hawaii's statehood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] have lau lau [of something]There is lau lau [for someone]It's lau lauVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lau lau pau - 'plenty is finished', implying even abundance can run out.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
May appear in anthropological, linguistic, or cultural studies papers discussing Hawaiian language and concepts.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation within Hawaiian communities or in Hawaii to express that there is plenty of something (e.g., food at a party).
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
American English
- She shared her mana'o lau lau.
- They lived lau lau, never wanting.
adjective
American English
- Don't worry, we have lau lau food for the whole 'ohana.
- The feeling was one of lau lau aloha.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- At the potluck, there was lau lau for everyone.
- We have lau lau time before the movie starts.
- The concept of 'lau lau' is central to the Hawaiian value of generosity and community sharing.
- Despite the drought, their careful planning meant water was lau lau.
- Her dissertation explored how the indigenous concept of 'lau lau' challenges Western capitalist notions of scarcity and resource allocation.
- The elder spoke of living a life of lau lau, where spiritual and material abundance were intertwined.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'luau' (Hawaiian feast) where there is always 'lau lau' (plenty) of food. The repetition 'lau lau' sounds like 'lots and lots'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABUNDANCE IS FULLNESS / GENEROSITY IS PLENTY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'лав-лав' (nonsense). It is a fixed Hawaiian phrase.
- It is not directly translatable as 'много-много' in a childish sense; it carries cultural weight of sufficiency and sharing.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a lau lau of rice'). It primarily functions as an adverb/adjective.
- Using it outside any Hawaiian context, which sounds inauthentic.
- Misspelling as 'lau-lau' (which refers to a specific Hawaiian dish of pork wrapped in taro leaves).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'lau lau' most appropriate and authentic?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Lau lau' (with a space) is a phrase meaning 'plenty'. 'Laulau' (one word) is a specific Hawaiian dish of pork, fish, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed.
It is not recommended, as it is a culturally specific Hawaiian phrase. Using common English synonyms like 'plenty' or 'more than enough' is more appropriate and widely understood.
It functions primarily as an adverb or adjective in English sentences, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate abundance.
It is pronounced /ˌlaʊ ˈlaʊ/, rhyming with 'now now'. The vowels are similar to the 'ou' in 'loud'.