Ukulele, [you-kuh-lay-lee] - noun:

A small, stringed instrument native to the Hawaiian Islands, superficially resembling a guitar that has been shrunk through careless laundering.

Known to inspire playfulness in some musicians and defensiveness in others. In the case of the former, it may induce the donning of grass skirts, leis and coconut brassieres. In the event of the latter, be alert for exceptional musicianship, overblown self-respect and mislaid sense of humor.

A poet of lost origins adds additional perspective:

A girl with a wee ukulele
Plucked and picked her strings daily
She strummed and she strummed
Till she audibly hummed
And then had to lie down somewhat frailly