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General

shaka

What does shaka mean?

A hand sign made with the thumb and little finger extended and the middle fingers curled, signaling 'hang loose', thanks, or all-around good vibes.

"He threw a shaka to the guy who let him have the wave."

Origin

Hawaiian gesture; popular lore ties it to a Hawaiian folk figure who lost his middle fingers.

Frequently asked questions

What is a shaka?
It's a Hawaiian hand sign made with the thumb and little finger extended and the middle fingers curled, signaling 'hang loose', thanks, or good vibes.
Where does the shaka come from?
It's a Hawaiian gesture. Popular lore ties it to a Hawaiian folk figure who lost his middle fingers, though the exact origin is debated.
How do you do a shaka?
Extend your thumb and pinky finger while curling the three middle fingers into your palm, then give it a little shake.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.