A Maori word used in New Zealand English for a ghost or evil spirit.
A Maori word used in New Zealand English for a ghost or evil spirit. In Maori tradition, kehua are the spirits of the dead that may linger in the world of the living. The word is used in New Zealand English both in Maori cultural contexts and in general New Zealand conversation to refer to a ghost.
She said the old house was full of kehua and refused to go in after dark.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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(New Zealand) A spirit associated with a person or thing, according to Māori beliefs.
A New Zealand informal term, borrowed from Maori, meaning annoyed, irritated, or fed up. Used freely in New Zealand English across communities as a way of expressing mild to moderate frustration. Part of the everyday Maori vocabulary that has permeated New Zealand English speech.
A Maori phrase meaning good, fine, or well done — used in New Zealand English as an expression of approval or encouragement. 'Ka pai' is one of the most commonly borrowed Maori phrases in New Zealand English and is used across contexts by all communities, from classrooms to workplaces to casual conversation. Pronounced approximately 'kah pie.' Its use reflects New Zealand's genuine bicultural engagement with te reo Maori.
(New Zealand) A ghost; an evil spirit.
Kehua means: A ghost; an evil spirit.. It is mainly New Zealand English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
kehua means: A ghost; an evil spirit.. Register: informal, New Zealand English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
(NZ) Among the Māori people, a philosophy or set of principles.