sulu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareCultural/Informal
Quick answer
What does “sulu” mean?
A traditional Fijian wraparound skirt, typically worn by both men and women.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Fijian wraparound skirt, typically worn by both men and women.
Can refer to similar garments in other Pacific cultures or to the Sulu Sea in the Philippines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; both refer to the same garment or sea.
Connotations
Exotic, traditional, associated with Pacific island cultures.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English due to historical ties with Fiji and the Commonwealth.
Grammar
How to Use “sulu” in a Sentence
used as a noun in phrases like 'wear a sulu' or 'a sulu is worn'Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In anthropological studies or discussions of Oceania cultures.
Everyday
When discussing traditional Fijian clothing or travel experiences in the Pacific.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sulu”
- Mispronouncing as 'suh-loo' or 'soo-loo' with short vowels.
- Confusing it with 'solo' or using it generically for any skirt without cultural context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but similar garments exist in other Pacific islands like Tonga or Samoa.
Yes, in Fijian culture, both men and women wear sulus, often for different occasions.
It is pronounced /ˈsuːluː/, with a long 'u' sound in both British and American English.
No, it is a low-frequency word specific to cultural or geographical contexts.
A traditional Fijian wraparound skirt, typically worn by both men and women.
Sulu is usually cultural/informal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sulu' rhyming with 'cool loo', but it's a cool garment worn loosely in Fiji.
Conceptual Metaphor
Garment as a symbol of cultural identity and tradition.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'sulu'?