Pakirikiri means: A New Zealand term, derived from te reo Māori, for the blue cod , a popular inshore fish found around the South Island and southern New Zealand waters. Blue cod is a prized table fish in New Zealand,. It is mainly New Zealand English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.
pakirikiri
A New Zealand term, derived from te reo Māori, for the blue cod (Parapercis colias), a popular inshore fish found around the South Island and southern New Zealand waters.
Definitions
US-SOUTH
#1·Apr 28, 2026US-SOUTH
A New Zealand term, derived from te reo Māori, for the blue cod (Parapercis colias), a popular inshore fish found around the South Island and southern New Zealand waters. Blue cod is a prized table fish in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island where it forms a significant part of both recreational and commercial fishing. The term 'pakirikiri' reflects the integration of Māori language into New Zealand's everyday vocabulary for native species.
They came back from the Marlborough Sounds with a chilly bin full of pakirikiri.
Origin: From te reo Māori 'pakirikiri,' the traditional name for the blue cod (Parapercis colias). Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents
Pakirikiri means: A New Zealand term, derived from te reo Māori, for the blue cod , a popular inshore fish found around the South Island and southern New Zealand waters. Blue cod is a prized table fish in New Zealand,. It is mainly New Zealand English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.
For ESL learners
pakirikiri means: A New Zealand term, derived from te reo Māori, for the blue cod , a popular inshore fish found around the South Island and southern New Zealand waters. Blue cod is a prized table. Register: informal, New Zealand English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself.
Cluster: sad
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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global
(NZ) blue cod ().
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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GlobalUS-SOUTH
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