How did the ukulele get its name?

Asked by: Tim Chernobelsky

These qualities had at some point earned him a nickname that translates as “jumping flea.” In Hawaiian, the word is ukulele (from ʽuku, “flea,” and lele, “jumping”). Mr. Ukulele became so closely associated with the instrument that his nickname became the name by which the instrument was known.

What was the ukulele originally called?

The Origins



While the ukulele is a uniquely Hawaiian instrument, its roots are in the Portuguese braguinha or machete de braga. The braguinha is a stringed instrument smaller than a guitar whose tuning is very similar to the first four strings of a guitar.

Who was the ukulele named after?

It could be that in 1879 in Honolulu, Joao Fernandes, who had just disembarked from Madeira, played the braguina with such virtuosity and speed that the Hawaiians, impressed with his jumping fingers, called the instrument the “ukulele”, meaning dancing flea.

What does ukulele stand for?

Purvis, a lively and petite fellow, gained the Hawaiian nickname ukulele, which translates to “jumping flea” in English.

Why is the ukulele called the jumping flea?

History. The ukulele is commonly associated with music from Hawaii, where its name roughly translates as “jumping flea”, perhaps because of the movement of the player’s fingers.

Who invented ukulele?

Manuel Nunes, Augusto Dias and Jose do Espirito Santo, who arrived in Hawaii on the Ravenscrag in 1879 from the Portuguese Islands of Madeira are believed to have been the first makers of the Hawaiian ‘ukulele’.

What is a ukulele called in Hawaii?

jumping flea

The Hawaiian-style ukulele (“jumping flea”), pronounced in Hawaii as ooh (like boo)-koo-lele, as opposed to the more popular form you-ka-laylay, is a staple in Hawaiian music and culture. It is thought to have arrived here in the form of a Portuguese musical instrument called a machete in the 19th century.

Is the ukulele a Hawaiian instrument?

The most familiar Hawaiian instrument is the ‘ukulele, a small type of guitar. The instrument was probably introduced to Hawai’i in 1879 by Portuguese settlers from Madeira who brought with them a small guitar called the braguinha.

How much is a ukulele in Hawaii?

How Much Ukuleles Cost in Hawaii. I’ll start with a quick summary: Ukuleles in Hawaii are sold as cheap souvenirs, entry-level instruments, and high-end Hawaiian-made instruments. Expect to pay $150 to $500 for a decent ukulele made in Hawaii and $1,000 to $4,000 for a top tier instrument made with Hawaiian koa.

What do you call a group of ukulele players?

A ‘plink’ (where two or three novices meet), also known as a ‘plunk’ in New Zealund. A ‘charm’ of ukuleles is generally only applied to four or more instruments clustered in the middle distance.

What are the 4 types of ukulele?

The four main types of ukuleles—soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone—are distinguished by their size. In addition to those four, there are six less common types of ukuleles in different shapes and sizes.

Is ukulele easier than guitar?

The ukulele is easier to learn than the guitar and other stringed instruments like the mandolin. Its soft nylon strings are gentler on your fingertips and don’t create finger pain like guitars do. The small size reduces wrist tension because the notes are reachable without stretching.

What are the names of the 4 strings on a ukulele?

Unlike your standard guitar that has either six or twelve strings depending on the style, the ukulele has just 4 strings. Starting from the string closest to your chin and going in the direction of your toes, the names of the strings are G, C, E, and A.

What do the white dots on a ukulele mean?

Well these little dots are used as kind of a quick reference to help you find where you're at on the ukulele. Now different makers of ukulele. Sometimes add one on the third fret but normally.

How are ukulele chords named?

The diatonic chords of the C major scale are C major (I), D minor (ii), E minor (iii), F major (IV), G major (V), A minor (vi), and B diminished (vii dim). Each chord can also be identified by its order in the scale. We use uppercase Roman numerals for major chords and lowercase for minor and diminished chords.