A-o-bana
The Gimi word for white-man; bana with adjective prefix A-o-, meaning red or pink in color, literally “pink man”. (Gimi)
Bird(s) of Paradise
Any of numerous brilliantly colored plumed birds (family Paradisaeidae) chiefly of New Guinea, neighboring islands and a few in eastern Australia. The Bird of Paradise is of cultural importance to the people of Papua New Guinea. The trade in plumes and/or feathers of the Birds of Paradise has been especially important in a bridal price, showing wealth and adorning dancers for singsings.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels was the name given by Australian troops to the Papua New Guinean people who, during World War II, were a great help in transporting stores and equipment over the rough terrain.
Most notably they would assist and escort injured Australian troops out of the jungle and down the Kokoda trail. A close relationship and bond of friendship developed between these local men and the Australians, particularly from the sick and wounded who required transportation back to field aid stations.
It is a well-accepted fact that many men would have died where they fell in Papua New Guinea had it not been for these men who became affectionately known as the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’.
Iron
Galvanized steel folded for a ridge cap or corrugated galvanized roofing, see kapa. (Pidgin, English spelling)
Kapa
Galvanized steel roofing, typically corrugated, see iron. (Pidgin, Pidgin spelling for English ‘copper’. The word kapa was used for metal roofing regardless of the type of metal).
Isapa
Sweet potato, see kaukau. (Gimi)
Kaukau
Sweet potato, see Isapa. (Pidgin)
Mumu
The traditional New Guinea way of cooking food in the ground over hot rocks, cooked by steam. (Pidgin)
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