Gallywasp

/ˈɡæliˌwɒsp/ noun

Definition

A large, venomous lizard found in Jamaica; also used as a general term for any fearsome creature or person.

Etymology

From Jamaican creole origins, possibly combining 'gally' (to scare) with a creature name; first recorded in colonial Caribbean accounts of wildlife.

Kelly Says

The 'gallywasp' entered English when colonists encountered Jamaican wildlife they'd never seen before—they literally named it with a word meaning 'scary creature' because they didn't know what else to call it!

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