Question about NZ slang word spurs talk

AUCKLAND: A question on

in the UK about a New Zealand slang word has got New Zealanders talking, some debating whether it is even a word we came up with.

On an episode featuring Paul Sinha, the contestant was quizzed about the word ‘‘puckerooed’’.

Host Bradley Walsh asked: ‘‘Puckerooed is New Zealand slang for something that is what?

‘‘A. Banned. B. Bawdy. C. Broken.’’

The slang puckerooed originates from the late 19th century Maori word pakaru which means broken.

The question caught the eye of many New Zealanders, who took to social media to discuss the use of the word and whether it is now outdated.

‘‘How did that extremely niched colloquial example even make it to international TV? Even most Kiwis won’t know that. That whole sentence is ‘puckerooed’,’’ one claimed.

Many said they remembered their elders using the term, but it was no longer common.

‘‘Oh heck, that’s a saying from way back. I remember my parents using that,’’ one wrote.

‘‘Yes, it has been around for years! Don’t hear it that often now though,’’ another said.

A third wrote they felt the saying had been replaced by a new slang word.

‘‘Now I feel old. It’s been replaced by the word ‘munted’ now.’’

However, some people indicated they’d never heard of it.

‘‘I’ve heard of ‘munted’ and ‘paru’ if it’s crap, but pretty sure I haven’t heard ‘puckerooed’ eh.’’

Another said: ‘‘Na bro, that’s wack. Looks Australian.’’

Others focused their attention at spelling of ‘‘puckerooed’’, some claiming the show had spelt it incorrectly.

A viewer wrote: ‘‘Omg it’s not meant to have ‘rooed’ on the end. It’s pakaru, or pakarud. They spelt it like a Pakeha!’’ —