Polynesian Words

Asian loan words in English

by Ann-Marie Imbornoni
Hawaiian
hula
luau
ukelele, from words meaning "flea jumping."
Tahitian
tattoo, introduced to the English-speaking world by Capt. James Cook in his account of his voyage around the world from 1768 to1771. Sailors later brought the actual custom to Europe.
Tongan
taboo, like tattoo, occurs for the first time in Capt. James Cook's journals.

Asian Loan Words


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