Nau mai te reo kapekape — welcome to the world of Māori humour, where the laughs are hearty, the jibes are sharp, and nothing's safe from a good ol' mocking. In this article, we'll share our interpretation and experiences of the distinct characteristics of Māori humour—its unabashed directness, savage mockery, and its unique ability to turn even the mundane into something hilariously memorable.

As an observation, the crossover between Māori and typical Kiwi humour is undeniable, with both sharing traits like mockery and sarcasm. However, Māori humour tends to push the boundaries further, embracing a more smutty and savage edge, with a boldness in addressing taboo topics that sets it apart from the more laid-back nature of Kiwi humour. It is distinctively unfiltered and unapologetic, and thrives on the ability to speak freely.

Characteristics of Māori Humour

Savage and Sarcastic

In the book 'Te Reo Kapekape', Hona Black notes [translated to English], "Our ancestors did not shy away from hurling words at each other to tease, to belittle, to humour, and to compete. You might assume that they threw these words at each other out of spite or anger, but in most cases the purpose was to lighten the atmosphere of an occasion."

From my experience, what is often perceived as harsh or direct by outsiders is often a significant aspect of expressing affection and camaraderie among Māori.

A classic example of this dynamic is when my parents were living in America. They were exchanging their usual 'banter' with other Māori mates, when their American friends misread the exchanges as mean-spirited bullying. When confronted about their supposed harshness, my parents and their friends couldn't help but burst into laughter, realising how their ingrained form of humour didn’t translate across cultural lines. In Māori culture, the rule of thumb often is: the more you love someone, the more savage the jokes 😈

Delight in the Absurd

Māori humour also embraces a child-like joy in the absurd, finding hilarity in the simplest things that might escape others' notice. This aspect adds a layer of innocence and universality, appealing to the inner child in everyone.

Self-Deprecating

Alongside its savage and confrontational style, Māori humour can also be self-deprecating. This involves poking fun at oneself as a way of showing humility and approachability.

Iconic Māori entertainer Billy T. James often used self-deprecating humour throughout his television series and stand-up routines. He often parodied his own cultural identity and the misunderstandings that stem from cultural differences, using humour both as a bridge across cultural divides and as a tool to entertain while challenging and subverting negative stereotypes.

Mockery

Another distinctive trait of Māori humour is its unabashed inclination to mock or tease others, especially in situations that might typically warrant sympathy in other cultures. This mocking is often directed at friends or family who find themselves in mildly unfortunate situations—like tripping over and giving the footpath a hongi. Instead of immediate concern, the initial reaction may be laughter and playful teasing. "You have a good trip, bro?" 🤣 Although considered very insensitive in other cultures, it reflects a communal resilience where laughter is used to diffuse tension and whakamā (embarrassment).

Smutty

It's not shy about venturing below the belt. Māori comedy tends to play with risqué topics, using humour as a tool to break down barriers and address often skirted-around subjects in a way that's both enlightening and uproarious.

Hona Black shares in his book that [translated to English] "Māori are not afraid to fling words at each other, to speak our minds, to talk about things below the hips and to reference body parts... Some cultures may find these offensive or unpalatable, but for Māori they are merely referring to body parts."

Unapologetically Satirical

Much of the humour involves a keen sense of satire that critiques social norms, politics, and even historical events, flipping them on their head to highlight absurdities or injustices in a manner that's both engaging and enlightening.

Billy T’s approach to satirical comedy was significant not just for its entertainment value but also for its ability to provoke a broader dialogue about race relations in Aotearoa. His satire (although criticised by some), was an expression of cultural identity that also questioned and critiqued societal norms. Billy used satire as a mirror to society, reflecting back the absurdities and irony of racial stereotypes and cultural misunderstandings in a way that was both humorous and thought-provoking, making him a pivotal figure in New Zealand comedy.

Witty

Māori humour often includes a sharp, quick-witted response that can be both cutting and hilariously precise, making light of serious situations without diminishing their importance.

Confrontational and Taboo-Breaking

By tackling taboo topics head-on, Māori humour fosters a culture of openness and dialogue, making it a powerful tool for cultural expression.

Māori humour thrives in a spectrum of settings, including contexts that other cultures may consider offensive, such as tangihanga (funerals), where humour provides a necessary respite from grief, showcasing its role as a social balancer.

Symbol of Resilience and Resistance

On a less 'humorous' note — humour can also be used as a tool for resilience and resistance, turning the pain of historical grievances or contemporary struggles into powerful statements through comedy. This aspect often factors in dealing with (or masking...) past traumas. 

I recall my dad sharing stories from his childhood, which are often told through a humorous lens despite the events seeming more traumatic than anything. This use of humorous storytelling can often be a coping mechanism, transforming painful memories into bearable anecdotes, and an example of how humour can allow individuals to navigate and resist the harsher realities of their past.

Language Play

The use of puns and a play on words is common in Māori humour, showcasing linguistic dexterity. This often involves clever use of te reo Māori to create double meanings or funny misunderstandings when translated.

The video below captures a lively night at the marae during a wānanga (gathering), featuring impromptu waiata where singers playfully add variations on the theme of 'a good time'. Packed with sexual innuendos and quick-witted puns, their variations of the verses showcase the clever repartee typical of Māori humour, and fill the room with uncontrollable laughter.

Expressive

Physical humour and slapstick are also integral, reminiscent of performative storytelling. This includes exaggerated facial expressions and gestures that enhance the comedic effect. If an orator is talented enough, he is able to make even the most boring topic hilarious and have the audience in tears from laughing so hard. Sometimes when my dad attempts to tell a joke, we end up laughing more at him cracking himself up than the joke itself.

So, what’s the takeaway from our whakaaro on Māori humour? It's simple: laugh hard, laugh often, and don’t be afraid to poke a bit of fun at yourself and each other. This style of humour isn’t everyone's kapu tī ☕️, but it is one way to handle life’s curveballs with a smirk. It provides a platform for engaging storytelling, where historical narratives and life lessons are shared with a chuckle, but often resonate with profound truths. It's also important to note that just because someone is Māori doesn’t guarantee they share this specific sense of humour, so avoid assumptions or generalisations — and always feel out the audience first before cracking one or taking a stab 😅

If you’ve enjoyed this discussion into the cheeky charm of Māori humour, then you might appreciate our collection of cheeky greeting cards, or learning more specifically about humour in te reo Māori by grabbing a copy of "Te Reo Kapekape" by Hona Black, to keep the laughs—and the conversations—going.