ukulele

Where does the word "ukulele" come from? It comes from Portuguese braguinha, passing through Hawaiian before entering English (1900s).

Ukulele’s story begins in Portuguese: braguinha meant “small four-stringed guitar.” A small guitar-like instrument brought by Madeiran immigrants. By 1880s, the word had taken hold in Hawaiian as ʻukulele. Literally "jumping flea", describing the player's quick finger movements. It reached English by 1900s as ukulele. Spread internationally as the instrument gained popularity. Today, ukulele means a small four-stringed guitar-like instrument.

1. Stage 1 · Portuguese · 1879 braguinha "small four-stringed guitar", a small guitar-like instrument brought by Madeiran immigrants.
2. Stage 2 · Hawaiian · 1880s ʻukulele "jumping flea", literally "jumping flea", describing the player's quick finger movements.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s ukulele "the small four-stringed instrument", spread internationally as the instrument gained popularity.