Te Reo & Pacific Influence · New Zealand slang

Mahi

Work, effort. 'Doing the mahi' means putting in the graft — and 'do the mahi, get the treats' is modern NZ scripture.

"Big week of mahi ahead."

"She's been doing the mahi all year, deserves the break."

by Bren · reader submitted

Origin & notes

Te reo Maori; surged in mainstream use through the 2010s.

Got a better definition?

Reckon we've got it wrong, or your town says it differently? Add your definition of “Mahi” — best ones get published with your name on them.

More te reo & pacific influence

Look up another word