Tuesday 21 May 2024

What's In a Critter's Name? 87. Magpie

In the 16th Century, misogynists referred to all women as 'Margarets'. They considered the bird's chattering call, to be like that of a woman. 'Mag' is an abbreviation. The 'pie' may refer to the bird's beak; tail or pied plumage.

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What's In a Critter's Name? 194. Cuttlefish

This cephalopod's name is derived from the Old English 'cudele'. It may be linked to the Old Norse 'koddi' (cushion) an...