Maori for 'friend'. Also the likely origin of the exclamation 'ow'. If someone says it sharply, you might be in trouble.
"E hoa, come look at this."
"Hurry up, e hoa!"
Te Reo & Pacific Influence · New Zealand slang
E hoa
Origin & notes
Te reo Maori; 'ow' is thought to be its shortened form.
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