* It's a regional or niche slang term: It might be used in a specific community or location, but not widespread enough to have a documented origin.
* It's a recent invention: Slang evolves constantly, and new terms are often created and used in informal contexts.
* It's a misspelling or variation of another word: It might be a typo or a playful modification of an existing word.
To understand the origin and meaning of "phuba," you would need more context:
* Where did you hear it? The location or group of people using it might provide clues.
* What was the context? The situation where it was used might shed light on its intended meaning.
Without this information, it's difficult to determine its source.