Are you using the word “Uso” correctly?

Uso! (or Uce!) Toko! Siana! All terms we use – from different islands in the Pacific – to refer to our brothers. Our buds. Our ride-or-die boyeeeez.

All good.

But if you want to use the Samoan word uso correctly, especially if you’re speaking with people (like your elders) who might actually get confused if words aren’t used right, then this handy guide from One Samoana will help:

So basically, your brother isn’t your uso unless you are also a male. And if you’re a girl, then your uso is actually your sister.

Got it?

It’s always good to know the rules before you break them with style. A ea, Uce?

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About Lils

Made in Samoa, a child of God, lover of language, business and food, I'm a weekend photographer, wannabe world traveler, dilettante musician and sci-fi trekker of stars. Perpetual student, irrational optimist, I'm going to own a cafe someday and teach machines to think like us. Known irl as Lillian T Arp, I'm also that TideTalking, tea-totalling, Hamo Geek Girl from One Samoana 😉

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