The Hawaiian roots of the word 'ukulele'

'Ukulele' is a word borrowed from Hawaiian 'ukulele'. The word entered the English language some time around 1896.

ukulele [noun] [1896]

A small guitar of Portuguese origin popularized in Hawaii in the 1880s and strung typically with four strings

See 'ukulele' on the Loan Words Map

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Etymology: Hawaiian 'ʽukulele' from 'ʽuku' flea + 'lele' jumping

See more loan words from 1800s.

How the Hawaiian language influenced English with the word 'aloha'

'Aloha' is a word borrowed from Hawaiian 'aloha'. The word entered the English language some time around 1820.

aloha [interjection] [1820]

Used as a greeting or farewell

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Etymology: Hawaiian, from 'aloha' love

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