haole

[ hou-lee, -ley ]

/ ˈhaʊ li, -leɪ /

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noun Sometimes Disparaging.

(among Polynesian Hawaiians) a term used to refer to a non-Polynesian, especially a white person.

(among Hawaiians) a term formerly used to refer to any foreigner.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of haole

1835–45; <Hawaiian: white person, (earlier) foreigner, foreign

usage note for haole

Haole is usually considered to be a neutral descriptive term. However, it is sometimes used with disparaging intent, arising from a distrust of foreigners or outsiders.

Words nearby haole

hanuman, Han Wu Ti, Hanyang, Han Yü, hao, haole, haoma, haori, hap, hapa, hapai

How to use haole in a sentence

The defense claims that Elderts used the term “haole”—a derogatory Hawaiian term for white people— before the fight broke out.
State Department Murder Suspect Chris Deedy Was a Benghazi Security Agent|Josh Rogin|July 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Hapa-haole,” was the answer; “he was a half-caste, you know, and we of the Islands have to think about our children.
The House of Pride|Jack London
So it befell at last that he was recommended to a Haole in Beritania Street.
Island Nights' Entertainments|Robert Louis Stevenson
But he did not know it, nor did anybody else guess it except that cursed hapa-haole, Stephen Kaluna.
The House of Pride|Jack London

An anecdote of this transition period is found in a book written by one who styled himself simply Haole (a foreigner).
The Spell of the Hawaiian Islands and the Philippines|Isabel Anderson
At the word, the young Haole of Beritania Street reeled against the wall.
Island Nights' Entertainments|Robert Louis Stevenson