2. (interjection) a very strong curse, an insulting swear word, an expression of anger or a curse expressing a lack of desire to do something. The strength of emotions usually associated with the use of the Māori word is not conveyed in a literal translation (i.e. boiled head) in the English. Because the head is tapu in traditional Māori society, to boil it would have been the ultimate insult. However, the strength of the word depends on the ferocity of the delivery by the speaker.

(Te Pihinga Textbook (Ed. 2): 106; Te Pihinga Audio Tapes/CDs (Ed. 2): exercise 40;)