CRITICAL WARNING: Not "Kindness" and Not a Dolphin

There is dangerous AI-generated information circulating online claiming that Boto means "to be kind," "gentle," or "the spirit of Aloha."

FALSE. Do not use this word to mean kindness. In Hawaii, Boto refers strictly to male genitalia. Using this word as a compliment is a major mistake that will result in embarrassment or offense.

The Real Origin (Ilocano): The word is not a random slang term; it is a direct loanword from the Ilocano language (one of the primary Filipino languages spoken in Hawaii). In Ilocano, Boto literally translates to "penis." Boto is commonly used in phrases such as Boto Etah and Malama my Boto.

Disambiguation:

• Not the Dolphin: The Amazon River Dolphin is called a "Boto," but that animal does not exist in Hawaii.
• Not "Vote": In Tagalog/Filipino, Boto means "vote," but in Hawaii, the Ilocano definition is the only one that matters.