Tuesday 7 May 2024

What's In a Critter's Name? 49. Meerkat

This name's probable origin is 'markata', a Sanskrit word meaning monkey. It was picked up by European explorers, who altered it to 'meerkat', a Dutch-inspired word from 'meer' (lake) and 'kat' (cat). Simples!

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What's In a Critter's Name? 86. Puffin

The Puffins get their name from their 'puff-ball' appearance.