Quote:
Originally Posted by wdfifteen
Etymology is an interest of mine...
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Entomology is indeed interesting. There's software out there, similar to the various programs for tracing one's gynecology. Beware pre-1970 stuff though, because it's full of inaccuracies and bugs (grace hoppers, I think).
Example:
"A common myth about the kangaroo's English name is that "kangaroo" was a Guugu Yimithirr phrase for "I don't understand you." According to this legend, Lieutenant Cook and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks were exploring the area when they happened upon the animal. They asked a nearby local what the creatures were called. The local responded "Kangaroo", meaning "I don't understand you", which Cook took to be the name of the creature. The Kangaroo myth was debunked in the 1970s by linguist John B. Haviland in his research with the Guugu Yimithirr people."