TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Ukulele - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explores the history and etymology of the ukulele, a small four-stringed guitar. Despite its Hawaiian name meaning 'jumping flea', the instrument originated from a Portuguese guitar called the braguinha. King Kalakaua and Edward Purvis, a lively British officer nicknamed 'Jumping Flea', played key roles in popularizing the instrument in Hawaii. Portuguese immigrants brought the braguinha to Hawaii in 1879, and it quickly gained popularity. Over time, local manufacturers adapted the instrument, leading to the modern ukulele we know today.

What does the word 'ukulele' mean in Hawaiian?

• Musical instrument

• Hawaiian dance

• Jumping flea

• Small guitar

Who was known as the 'Merrie Monarch'?

• A Hawaiian musician

• A Portuguese immigrant

• Edward Purvis

• King Kalakaua

What was Edward Purvis's nickname?

• Jumping Flea

• Braguinha

• Ukulele Maker

• Merrie Monarch

Which group of immigrants brought the braguinha to Hawaii?

• British

• Portuguese

• French

• Spanish

What changes were made to the braguinha to create the modern ukulele?

• It was turned into a percussion instrument

• It was made smaller with four strings

• It was given more strings

• It was made larger