However, it may not be entirely accurate to analyze it as a phrase consisting of 'da' (the Pidgin definite article) and 'kine', as 'kine' by itself does not have the same meaning. 'Da kine' may be related to the word 'kine', which is used variously as an intensifier, short for 'kind of' in the sense of 'type of', and for many other purposes (perhaps almost as much variety as 'da kine'). One definition (in mixed Pidgin) is: 'Can have any kine connotation depends on how you say um and who you say um wit.' 'Da kine' is used as shorthand when it is likely the listener will understand what is meant from context or a combination of context and body language. Very convenient.' Ī surfing dictionary lists da kine as 'the word you use when you don't use the word.' You can use it anywhere, anytime, anyhow. The humorous illustrated dictionary Pidgin to Da Max defines 'da kine' as: 'Da kine' is probably the most identifying characteristic of spoken Hawaiian Pidgin, and certainly the most versatile. As such, it appears to be unique among English dialects, at least in its centrality to everyday speech. It can be used to refer to something nonspecific, or given enough context (especially when used in conversation between native speakers of the dialect) to something very specific. Unlike other placeholder names in English, however, which usually refer specifically to a device ('gizmo' or ' widget'), person ('so-and-so'), or place ('Anytown, USA'), 'da kine' is general in usage and could refer to anything from a person to an abstract concept. It can also take the role of a verb, adjective, or adverb.

Da kine ( / d ə ˈ k aɪ n/) is an expression in Hawaiian Pidgin (Hawaii Creole English), probably derived from 'that kind', that usually functions grammatically as a placeholder name (compare to English 'whatsit' and 'whatchamacallit').

Kine words