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The Daily Insight

What does Palagi mean in Tongan?

Author

Robert Guerrero

Updated on March 14, 2026

Palagi (pronounced paalangi - singular) or papaalagi (plural) is a term in Samoan culture of uncertain meaning, sometimes used to describe foreigners. Written Pālagi or Papālagi in Samoan, and Papālangi or Pālangi in Tongan, the term Pālagi is also used in Niuean.

Herein, what is Balangi?

palagi or papalagi are what samoans often use to call a white person. "pa"= bang lagi=heaven which would translate it as heaven bursters.

Also Know, what does Toko mean Tongan? Starting out as “tokoua”, meaning sibling in Tongan, shortened to “toko”, then to “toks” and finally to “dox”.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what does Afakasi mean in Tongan?

One of the Samoan terms for the islands' part-European population is 'afakasi. This term does not necessarily have the same negative connotations as its English translation, 'half-caste'. The 1921 Samoa Act defined people as 'European' or 'Samoan'.

What does PA mean in Samoan?

pa'u I. n. skin, peel; II.

Related Question Answers

Is palangi derogatory?

While the term is generally applied to people of European ancestry as a means of differentiation or categorization, some feel the term is derogatory, especially when aimed pointedly toward half-caste Samoans or ethnic Samoans who were born and raised in western, metropolitan societies; "fia palagi" and "fie palangi"

Does USO mean brother?

In Samoan, “Uso” means brother.

What is Palagi in English?

nounplural noun palagi

(also papalagi) (in Samoa) a white or non-Samoan person. as modifier 'palagi guests' 'They just thought it was funny a palagi being with them. '

How do you say the word Samoan?

Below are some basic words and phrases with a pronunciation guide to help you along.

learn some samoan words & phrases.

English Samoan Pronunciation
Hello Talofa Tar-low-far
Goodbye Tofa Tore-far
Thank you Fa'afetai Far-ah-fay-tie
Please Fa'amolemole Far-ah-more-le-more-le

What do you call a half Samoan?

That's me – afatasi, a Samoan word describing someone who is part Samoan and part something else. It literally means half of one.

What is Afaski?

A Samoan person with some European ancestry. 'most of the Samoans were daughters of afakasi' 'They are everywhere - afakasi [half Samoan, half Palagi]. '

What language is Afakasi?

noun a Samoan with some European ancestry (also as adjective). [Samoan 'afakasi, transliteration of half-caste] 2008

What flag is Samoan?

The bald eagle and the blue, white and red colors symbolize the country's ties to the United States. The eagle holds a staff and a war club, two traditional symbols of the Samoan chiefs.

Flag of American Samoa.

Proportion 10:19
Adopted April 17, 1960

Whats the meaning of Samoan?

1 : a native or inhabitant of Samoa. 2 : the Polynesian language of the Samoans.

What is the Mau movement in Samoa?

The Mau movement was the name given to the popular nonviolent movement for Samoan independence from colonial rule. Mau means “opinion†or “testimony†in Samoan.

What is Black Saturday in Samoa?

Page 7 – Black Saturday. The worst incident in New Zealand's relationship with Samoa occurred on Saturday 28 December 1929. It was precipitated by a fracas that erupted during a Mau parade along Apia's waterfront to welcome home two members who had been exiled in New Zealand.

What is alofa ATU mean?

English Translation. love you.

What does Malie mean in Tongan?

Literally translated as "great warrior", the title's origin comes from the final words of the Tongan warriors as they were fleeing on the beach to their boats, "Malie To`a, Malo e tau" ("Great warrior, thank you for the war).

What does TOUA mean in Tongan?

In Tonga, kava is like alcohol and drunk nightly at kalapu (Tongan for "club"), which is also called a faikava ("to do kava"). Only men are allowed to drink the kava, although women who serve it may be present.

What is Tongan cousin?

Controversy. A leader of New Zealand's Tongan community noted that there is no word for cousin in the Tongan language; cousins are considered and called "brother" or "sister", which reinforces the controversy among ordinary Tongans.