And the Maori Word For “Wanker” Is…

[meddow]

I’m procrastinating (Shock! Horror!) and it just happens to be te wiki o te reo maori (maori language week) and I want to be able to say stuff on my LJ like “I’m off to visit the whānau” and have people understand it and since learning how to insult people in another language is always fun, I give you, for your entertainment:-

Fifteen Maori words and phrases either I want to use or find amusing

Hoake tatau (hor-ar-key tar-toe)– Let’s go

Aua (ar-oo-ar)-I don’t know

Mō taku hē (more tar-koo heh)– My bad

Paeotiwha (pie-or-tea-far)– Wanker

Whānau (far-now)– Extended family

Mata tiko – (mar-tar tea-kor)– Shit face

Kia ora (key aura)– hello (literally: be healthy)

Ka kino Kee! (car key-nor keh)– Wicked!

Aroha (arrow-ha)– Love

Mana (ma-na)– Authority, power, repulation

Puku (puk-ku)– Belly, stomach

Ka pai (car pie)– Well done

Kia kaha (key-a ka-ha)– Be strong, we are supporting you.

Ki te nui te aahua o taku non i roto i teenei? – Does my bum look big in this?

Ka hoki mai ano au – I’ll be back

If you want to know more, check out 100 Maori Words Kiwis Should Know (apparently all Kiwis need to know the maori word for anus) and Maori influence on NZ English.

I should say that I don't actually speak Maori, but like most people who live in New Zealand have been taught the basics in school (and forgotten most of it) and know a few words.

And in Jack Davenport related randomness (yes, still obsessed), I’ve decided he should totally play Jonathan Strange. I don’t mention it enough, or like ever, but Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is my favourite book and everybody has to read it. They are apparently making a movie, though I have now idea how on earth you would adapt that book for a movie.

Comments

[le-parapluie.livejournal.com]

This is incredibly lame, but I almost read that book. Almost because I skimmed the back cover in the library during finals week last semester, and knew I wouldn't have time to actually read it--or anything, really, that wasn't from a textbook, notebook, or scrap of paper on which notes had been taken.

So, cheers for reminding me about it.

(And I'm good with Jack Dav being in anything. So, I second the notion.)

[meddow.livejournal.com]

I have a gigantic list of almost read books. That is such the pain about Uni. I don’t seem to ever have the time to sit down with a good work of fiction and then holidays happen and I’m working so much I still don’t have any time. I only had the chance to read it because I had quite a bit of time to spend in an airport.

But I think it's a brilliant book so I hope you enjoy it.

[melusinahp.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I love Jack Davenport. I've loved him for ages, In This Life and in The Talented Mr. Ripley.

I've got to read Jonathan Strange one of these days.

[meddow.livejournal.com]

I'm a late pirates convert. I really want to watch This Life. And Coupling and Ultraviolet, all these British TV programmes he's been in but I'm really going to have to hunt to find a copy of them.

And yes, do read Jonathan Strange. The book is awesome.

[jadeddiva.livejournal.com]

It's okay, hon, Jack Davenport ate my brain too.

[meddow.livejournal.com]

I really should want my brain back. On the other hand, I’m quite happy spending an inappropriate percentage of my day thinking about Jack Davenport. Sigh.