Maori Placenames

// February 16th, 2009 // Not Serious

I like that the Maori’s weren’t restricted by practicality when they named their towns. The result lots of comedic sounding little places, or no so little places like

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu

Try sending a postcard to a friend there. You’d have space for “Hi Adam” the rest you’ve have to leave for the address.

Theres plenty more naming hijinx on offer. How about Waipu (pronounced “Why poo”)? Nic told a funny story about breaking down there. This is what I heard:

Nic: I broke down out there once by Waipu?

Me: Did you just say “why poo”?

Nic: Yeah its a place out by KareKare.

Me: Why poo?!?! hahahahahhaha those Maori names are brilliant.

Nic: Yeah. Anyway.

He then continued to tell his story but by this point I had zoned out, lost on the fun of Waipu, so I drifted in just occasionally to nod when appropraite and heard:

blah blah blah back passage blah blah blah blockage blah blah blah friend pulled me out blah blah blah came out flying.

Fun for all in Why poo it seems if there’s no blockage in your back passage.

Can’t remember these funny names? No problem theres a default place name you can use – Waikikamukau (pronounced “Why kick a moo-cow”) lots more fun that whatdoyacallit. Your homework assignment for this week, next time you can’t remember a noun slip in whykickamoocow and let me know the reaction you receive.

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  • fletchy
    Kenny is a legend.

    Sometime toilet humour can be funny, briefly.

    I'll be back soon.

    I'm not ignorant I've just a natural aptitude for indifference.
  • But you have to admit, Kenny is pretty genius, a legend that is what he is :-)
    And seeing as Adam is a foreing language ignorant, this is a step forward to acknowledging that there is such thing as languages other than English.
    I on my behalf am borderline amused.
  • mum
    It's so reassuring to know that my very intelligent son has never outgrown the urge to have a giggle at a bit of toilet humour!!

    Time to go and watch 'kenny' just one more time,I think!!

    mum
  • mone´nahatangumatengananuhahah
    it just took me aorund 10 mins to learn it
    : )
    its time u come back!
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