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General

mahalo

What does mahalo mean?

The Hawaiian word for thank you, widely used in surf culture as a gesture of gratitude.

"Mahalo for letting me have that wave, brah."

Origin

Native Hawaiian word absorbed into surf vocabulary.

Frequently asked questions

What does mahalo mean?
It's the Hawaiian word for thank you, expressing gratitude.
How is mahalo used in surf culture?
Surfers use it as a genuine thanks, such as when someone lets them have a wave or shares the lineup graciously.
Where does mahalo come from?
It's a native Hawaiian word that's been widely absorbed into surf and island vocabulary.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.