Showing posts with label Australian aboriginal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australian aboriginal. Show all posts

Friday, 3 January 2025

The word 'koala' is originally from Australian aboriginal 'gula'

'Koala' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'gula'. The word entered the English language some time around 1803.


koala [noun] [1803]
An Australian arboreal marsupial (Phascolarctos cinereus) that has a broad head, large hairy ears, dense gray fur, an...
See 'koala' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

note: The word 'koala' comes from the Dharug 'gula' meaning 'no water'.
Etymology: Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) 'gula, gulawanʸ'
See more loan words from 1800s.


When you hear 'kangaroo' are you hearing English or Australian aboriginal?

'Kangaroo' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'gangurru'. The word entered the English language some time around 1770.


kangaroo [noun] [1770]
Any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals (family Macropodidae) of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islan...
See 'kangaroo' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

Etymology: Guugu Yimidhirr (Australian aboriginal language of northern Queensland) 'gaŋurru'
See more loan words from 1700s.


Friday, 11 November 2022

Do you speak a little Australian aboriginal when you say 'woomera'?

'Woomera' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'woomera'. The word entered the English language some time around 1817.


woomera [noun] [1817]
A wooden rod with a hooked end used by Australian aborigines for throwing a spear
See 'woomera' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

Etymology: Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) 'wamara'
See more loan words from 1800s.


Do you speak a little Australian aboriginal when you say 'budgerigar'?

'Budgerigar' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'budgerigar'. The word entered the English language some time around 1840.


budgerigar [noun] [1840]
A small Australian parrot (Melopsittacus undulatus) usually light green with black and yellow markings in the wild bu...
See 'budgerigar' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

Etymology: Modification of Yuwaalaraay (Australian aboriginal language of northern New South Wales) 'gijirrigaa'
See more loan words from 1800s.


Thursday, 10 November 2022

When you hear 'billabong' are you hearing English or Australian aboriginal?

'Billabong' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'billabong'. The word entered the English language some time around 1861.


billabong [noun] [1861]
  • a blind channel leading out from a river
  • a usually dry streambed that is filled seasonally
  • a backwater forming a stagnant pool
See 'billabong' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

Etymology: Wiradhuri (Australian aboriginal language of central New South Wales) 'bilabaŋ'
See more loan words from 1800s.


The Australian aboriginal origins of the word 'dingo'

'Dingo' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'dingo'. The word entered the English language some time around 1789.


dingo [noun] [1789]
A wild dog C. familiaris dingo (Canis dingo) of Australia having a tan or reddish coat that is often considered a subs...
See 'dingo' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

Etymology: Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) 'diŋgu'
See more loan words from 1700s.