Jumping flea ukulele

1. Does ukulele mean jumping flea?
2. Why do some people say ukulele means jumping fleas?
3. What is a flea ukulele?
4. What instruments name translates to jumping flea?

Does ukulele mean jumping flea?

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.

Why do some people say ukulele means jumping fleas?

When the Hawaiians saw a boy playing this instrument, they loved the sound that was coming from it. They also noticed how fast his hands were moving on the strings–like jumping fleas, so the Hawaiians named this instrument “ukulele,” meaning “jumping flea.” Since then it has become part of the Hawaiian culture.

What is a flea ukulele?

Flea Ukulele: Introduced in 2002, the Flea is another departure from the classic ukulele form. ... Known for its easy play-ability with a full 14" soprano scale and generous string spacing - a favorite for seasoned players or a perfect first uke.

What instruments name translates to jumping flea?

Purvis, a lively and petite fellow, gained the Hawaiian nickname ukulele, which translates to “jumping flea” in English. Another legend says that there was once a talented ukulele player whose fingers moved as fast as a jumping flea, henceforth forever uniting the name of the instrument and the movement of playing it.