October 8th, 2009

In Hawaiʻi, "mahalo" might officially mean "thank you"

Raymond Chen
Raymond Chen

In Hawaiʻi, you see the word Mahalo on signs everywhere. In theory, the word means Thank you, but my friend Joe Beda pointed out that in practice the word has a completely different meaning. Here are some examples:

  • We do not accept coupons at this location. Mahalo.
  • No refills. Mahalo.
  • This counter is closed. Mahalo.
  • Elevator is out of order. Please use stairs. Mahalo.
  • Rest rooms for customers only. Mahalo.

In practice, the word mahalo means You’re screwed.

Obligatory clarification: This was a joke, an attempt at observational humor.

Category
Old New Thing
Topics
Non-Computer

Author

Raymond Chen

Raymond has been involved in the evolution of Windows for more than 30 years. In 2003, he began a Web site known as The Old New Thing which has grown in popularity far beyond his wildest imagination, a development which still gives him the heebie-jeebies. The Web site spawned a book, coincidentally also titled The Old New Thing (Addison Wesley 2007). He occasionally appears on the Windows Dev Docs Twitter account to tell stories which convey no useful information.

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