haole
UK[ˈhaʊli]US[ˈhaʊleɪ]
n
In Hawaii, a person who is not a native Hawaiian, especially a white person of European or American descent.
Etymology
The term 'haole' entered English as a direct borrowing from the Hawaiian language in the early 19th century. In Hawaiian, it literally means "foreigner" or "one without breath," from 'ha' (breath, life) and 'ole' (without). This original sense is thought to refer to the foreign custom of greeting without the traditional Hawaiian honi, a touching of noses to exchange breath. The word's journey into English reflects the specific socio-cultural context of Hawaii, where it evolved from a general term for outsider to one with particular ethnic connotations, primarily denoting white foreigners and later their descendants.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Hawaiian. It is not productively segmented into meaningful morphemes using English spelling conventions.
Examples
As a newcomer to the islands, he was keenly aware of being perceived as a haole.
The local guide explained the history and customs with patience, knowing his haole visitors might not understand.
She was a third-generation resident, though her haole ancestry was still occasionally noted.