How Do You Spell PALAGI?

Pronunciation: [palˈɑːɡɪ] (IPA)

Palagi is a word commonly used in Samoan language meaning "always" or "constantly". The word is pronounced as [/palagi/] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the "p" sound followed by the "a" sound as in "father". The second syllable is pronounced as "la" with a soft "g" sound in between. The third and final syllable is pronounced as "ee", similar to the "i" sound in "ski". Palagi is also used in New Zealand to refer to non-Maori people.

PALAGI Meaning and Definition

1. Palagi is a term primarily used in Samoan culture to refer to non-Samoan individuals or anything foreign or of foreign origin. The word can be translated to English as "foreigner" or "stranger." It has both literal and figurative connotations, encompassing the idea of someone or something being alien, unfamiliar, or different from the customary Samoan ways.

   In Samoan society, the concept of palagi not only pertains to individuals but also to objects, customs, or ideas that are imported or introduced from outside the Samoan culture. It may be associated with Western influence, including foreign languages, clothing, or food. The term carries historical weight as it originated from initial encounters between Samoans and European explorers or missionaries during the colonial era.

   The designation of palagi is not necessarily negative or derogatory. It is predominantly used to distinguish between Samoan and non-Samoan people or things, emphasizing the contrast and separation. Nonetheless, it can also reflect cultural biases, a sense of cultural pride, and a distinction between Samoa and foreign cultures. The term evolves and transforms within different contexts, communities, and individuals, but its core significance persists as a way to categorize and ascribe a foreign identity within the Samoan context.

Common Misspellings for PALAGI

• oalagi
• lalagi
• 0alagi
• pzlagi
• pslagi
• pwlagi
• pqlagi
• papagi
• paoagi
• palzgi
• palsgi
• palwgi
• palqgi
• palafi
• palavi
• palabi
• palayi
• palati
• palagu
• palagj

Etymology of PALAGI

The word "palagi" has its origin in the Samoan language. It comes from the combination of two words: "pa", meaning "to become", and "lagi", meaning "sky" or "forever". When combined, "palagi" means "foreigner" or "stranger". The term was predominantly used by Samoan people to refer to Europeans or people from outside their culture who were seen as outsiders or foreigners. As time passed, the term "palagi" expanded its meaning and is now commonly used in various Polynesian languages to refer to people of non-Polynesian descent.

Plural form of PALAGI is PALAGIS