*Disclaimer: This is not an actual syndrome or an actual diagnosis. It is simply a way of describing the interactions with local boys from Hawaiʻi, whether they are positive or negative. enjoy.
The local-boy syndrome is present everywhere in Hawaiʻi. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. There is discussion with both the positive and negatives of this particular syndrome. Here is a little list to give you an idea of what it means to say, “ohhhh, he get local boy syndrome.”
Ehhh, the not so good things:
- When he bring his boys over, play games, get rowdy, and spill beer everywhere
- He leave the toilet seat up
- He sees you from across the street, throws some shaka’s, and yells, “sup behbeh girl!”
- “What, you like oof?” is in his daily vocabulary
- He eats all your food
- When he shoot you one word texts, “raj”, “k den”
- Mumbling “k, love you” when in front his boys
- Tells you to come over and hang out, but he sits on his phone
- Treats you too much like one of the boys
- Affection is not his strong suit
- Instead of going out, he asks, “like go cruise?”
- When they only drive lifted Toyota’s or souped up Honda’s
- He calls you “brah” instead of “babe”
- Always grouchy (uncle status)
- When they rag on you in front of their friends, then say “I was only playing”
- Tell you, “why you spend so much money on things?” but they spend just as much on their cars/trucks
- They tell no need sunscreen, but they peeling and burnt for a week straight (and they tell they sore)
- Hardhead, “no need instructions”
- They take all the bed or the blanket
- When they make like they related to someone famous in the islands
The better side of the syndrome:
- He respects the aunty’s and uncle’s
- He helps cook the food for family parties
- Even if he isn’t as big or strong as he would like to be, his attitude/confidence helps to defeat the odds (local boy confidence)
- He introduces you as his “old lady” (slang for my girl, wife, girlfriend)
- Automatically helps break down after parties
- when you bring him around family, he kisses everyone hi
- At family functions, he won’t eat until you eat first
- When you feel uncomfortable with people they ask “why you like me lick um” (fight)
- He’s not shame kissing you in front everyone
- Always checking up on you when you’re out together
- When he asks, “like me make you one plate?”
- Charges your phone in his car when it’s dying
- When you first start dating and he takes you to meet his family
- He spends a lot of money on you
- When he opens your beer for you when you no more bottle opener
- He kills the cockroaches!!!!!! (B-52’s!)
- When you’re not feeling good and he takes care of you
- He gives you his jacket when you’re cold or its raining
- When he offers to get the car so you don’t have to walk in the rain or drops you off at the entrance so you don’t get wet
- He remembers what you don’t like and like
- When he got the connections (ex. my aunty work for so and so..)
- Always willing to help when can (macgyver/Jack of All Trades)
- Takes payments in food (grilled cheese)
- He attempts to cuddle, even if it’s too hot
Everyone has their own preferences, maybe some of the bullet points belong in a different category, but for my friends and I (Tynsl and Jana!!!) they lean into these categories. It’s not bad, it’s not good, its just “local boy” syndrome.
Tales of A Curly Island Girl 