hapa

[ hah-puh ]

noun

1. (especially in Hawaii and California) a person of mixed-race heritage who identifies racially and culturally as both white and of Asian descent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hapa¹

First recorded in 1985–90; from Hawaiian Pidgin: “half”

Example Sentences

"We have such a small profit margin that every single day matters," said Kiaha Kurek, who owns a Hawaiian food truck in Portland called Hapa Howies, which serves a variety of hot lunch plates.

From Salon

The Hawaiian term hapa developed in the early 20th century to describe someone of mixed heritage, usually with Pacific Islander or Asian heritage.

From Salon

Hapa was originally a derogatory term used to describe mixed-raced children of Hawaiian women and plantation guest workers from China, Korea and the Philippines.

From Salon

More specifically, with the casting of Momoa, Aquaman becomes a hapa superhero.

From Salon

However, over the course of the 20th century, hapa subjects transformed the meaning of the word from one with derogatory connotations to one charged with affirmative associations.

From Salon