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.

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