Mythical river in New Zealand, used for a location of something or someone whose location is unknown to the speaker, or where time is being wasted.

Mispronunciation of the Maori name of Puhwhai, a meandering and swampy river in Northland.
A."where's John?"
B."Up the boowai somewher, I guess."

Richard:"I'm back, dear!"
Judy:"From the boowai, I suppose, not doing anything useful!"
by D F Stuckey March 7, 2004
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