A Maori interjection borrowed into New Zealand English, used to express dismay, sorrow, or commiseration — roughly equivalent to 'oh no,' 'alas,' or 'dear me.' Used in New Zealand in both Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori) speech when expressing empathy or mild distress. Part of the everyday Maori vocabulary that has permeated New Zealand English.
'Aue, what a mess,' she said when she saw the state of the kitchen.
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(NZ) , oh dear; dear me.
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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.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.