haole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "haole" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to Hawaiian culture.
It can be used to refer to a person who is not native to Hawaii, often specifically a white person or someone of European descent. Example: "When I visited Hawaii, I was often referred to as a haole by the locals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

(To haoles new to the islands I often say, "If I call you haole, I'm trying to tell someone who you are, i.e. 'the haole boy with the cowboy boots.' If I say, 'the haole with the stupid cowboy boots,' then you can get offended").

The New York Times

I wonder, though, whether it would have struck me as such if I hadn't heard about it being a haole from the mainland myself.

The Economist

Nor did I note the existence of other important tribes, such as the Filipinos, the Samoans, or the Portuguese (not considered haole), nor all the kids of mixed ethnic background.

The New Yorker

Among Kaimuki Intermediate's smattering of haole students, most were actually shunned by the In Crowd as insufficiently cool.

The New Yorker

Even the low-rent haole kids in the In Crowd were more enlightened.

The New Yorker

I was, after all, skinny and haole and had no friends.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Yet life there for haoles (foreigners) was not unlike that of bluebloods summering in Maine: Moore and her four siblings roamed the landscape at will, while their mother, prone to nervous breakdowns, attempted to outfit them in seersucker shorts.

The New Yorker

I already knew, in rough outline, what had happened to the Hawaiians — how American missionaries and other haoles had subjugated them, stolen their lands, killed them en masse with diseases, and converted the survivors to Christianity.

The New Yorker

By 1890, the native population had been decimated by disease and the land was almost entirely controlled by haoles (foreigners).

The New Yorker

He meant a whole religious world, something from the time before the haoles came — a Hawaiian world with elaborate rules and taboos and secret, hard-won understandings about the land, the ocean, birds, fish, animals, and the gods.

The New Yorker

They were haoles and, their laughable gang name notwithstanding, they were impressively bad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are unsure whether to use the term "haole", consider using a more neutral alternative such as "non-Hawaiian" or "foreigner" to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Common error

A common mistake is using "haole" without understanding its cultural implications. The term is not always negative, but can be if used derisively. Be aware of the potential to offend and consider the impact on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The term "haole" functions primarily as a noun, designating a person who is not native to Hawaii, often of Caucasian descent. Ludwig examples show its use in identifying individuals or groups within a community, as seen in contexts like "da haole guy" or "haole students."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "haole" is a noun used to describe non-Hawaiians, particularly Caucasians. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while grammatically correct, its usage requires sensitivity due to its cultural and historical context. Although Ludwig examples show usage predominantly in News & Media, one must be aware of the potential for misinterpretation or offense. Using alternatives like "non-Hawaiian" or specifying origin can help avoid unintended connotations. As Ludwig AI states, the term is usable in written English, yet careful consideration of audience and context is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-Hawaiian

Emphasizes the non-native origin, directly contrasting with Hawaiian ethnicity.

haole from the mainland

A more specific term indicating the origin of the "haole" being from the mainland.

hapa haole

Refers to someone of mixed Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian ancestry.

Caucasian resident

Specifically identifies a person of Caucasian descent living in Hawaii.

visiting haole

Highlights that the "haole" is only visiting.

mainlander

Refers to someone from the continental United States, highlighting their origin.

foreigner in Hawaii

General term indicating someone not originally from Hawaii.

non-local

Broad term for someone not native to a particular place, in this case, Hawaii.

outsider

General term indicating someone not part of the local community.

newcomer

Highlights the recent arrival of someone to Hawaii.

FAQs

What does "haole" mean?

"Haole" is a Hawaiian term for a non-Hawaiian person, typically someone of Caucasian or European descent. It's often used to refer to foreigners or outsiders in Hawaii.

Is it offensive to call someone "haole"?

The term "haole" can be perceived as offensive depending on the context and tone. While not inherently derogatory, it can carry negative connotations related to historical and cultural tensions. It is always a good idea to evaluate your audience before using it.

What can I say instead of "haole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "non-Hawaiian", "foreigner", "non-native", or "mainlander". The best choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between "haole" and "hapa haole"?

"Haole" refers to someone who is entirely of non-Hawaiian descent, typically Caucasian. "Hapa haole" refers to someone of mixed Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian ancestry. The term hapa comes from the English word half.