Conepatl

/koʊˈnɛpətəl/ noun

Definition

The original Nahuatl word for the hog-nosed skunk (conepate); a variant spelling closer to the indigenous language.

Etymology

From Nahuatl 'conetl' and 'patl' (from the Aztec language). This is the indigenous term that English borrowed and adapted into 'conepate.'

Kelly Says

Languages constantly borrow animal names from indigenous peoples, especially for creatures from their native regions—'conepatl' reminds us that the Aztecs had detailed names for the wildlife around them long before English speakers arrived!

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