Cockatoo
Posted by Shae on September 17, 2004
In Reply to: Cockatoo posted by Kristine on September 17, 2004
: I live near Cockatoo in Victoria, Australia. Is it an aboriginal name or a settlers idea of putting two chickens on the table, rather than the usual one?
The Online Etymology Dictionary comes to the rescue again:
cockatoo
1616, from Du. kaketoe, from Malay kakatua, possibly echoic, or from kakak "elder brother or sister" + tua "old." Also cockatiel , from Du. dim. kaketielje , which is perhaps influenced by Portuguese.
budgerigar
1847, from Native Australian, lit. "good cockatoo," from budgeri "good" + gar "cockatoo."
www.etymonline.com
- Cockies & budgies Lotg 17/September/04