Chimp

/tʃɪmp/ noun

Definition

A large dark-haired ape from Africa that is closely related to humans and is known for being intelligent and social.

Etymology

Short for 'chimpanzee,' which comes from Bantu languages in Central Africa. The full word likely derives from 'ki-mpenza' or similar terms in African languages, shortened to 'chimp' in English around the 1870s.

Kelly Says

Chimps share about 98% of their DNA with humans, and they're one of the few animals that can recognize themselves in mirrors—scientists think this means they have self-awareness like we do. They also have complex social hierarchies, use tools, and even seem to have their own 'cultures' where different groups do things differently!

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