A Maori term describing the intense, wide-eyed, tongue-protruding facial expression performed during a haka — the traditional Maori war dance and ceremonial performance. The pukana is not just a silly face; it's a deliberate, disciplined expression of ferocity, spiritual intensity, and challenge directed at opponents or audiences. Female haka performers do it with wide eyes and extended tongue; male performers often combine it with rolled eyes. Seen globally whenever the All Blacks perform before a rugby match, the pukana is one of the most recognizable elements of Maori performance.
The young warrior's pukana was so fierce during the haka that the visiting team visibly flinched.
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(NZ) A contorted face made by a haka performer.
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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.
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