Vanuatu Glossary

B

Bislama An English creole language; One of the spoken dialects in Vanuatu.

G

Gato Fried dough, similar to the Western donuts.

K

Kae Kae A local term that simply means "food".

Kae Kae Man A victim of cannibalism.

Kastom Traditional; A collective term referring to anything that involves the native lifestyle of the Vanuatu locals.

Kava A crop harvested in Vanuatu, that is made into an intoxicating drink; It is also a medicinal plant said to cure insomnia and anxiety.

Kleber A term used by locals to refer to witch doctors.

Kumala Sweet potatoes.

L

Laplap A sort of pastry with either meat or fish filling.

N

N'Gol Literally meaning "land-diving", it is a ceremony done by Bunlap men to ensure a good yam harvest the following year; Also said to be the origins of the concept of bungee jumping.

Nakamal A gathering place.

Ni-Vanuatu The term referring to Vanuatu locals.

S

Smol Haos Toilet; Bathroom.

T

Tabu Forbidden; Sacred.

Tam Tam Slit gongs or drums.

Tana Earth; Land.

V

Vanuatu "Our Land", in local tongue.

Vatu Vanuatu's currency.