Ganggang

/ˈɡæŋɡæŋ/ noun

Definition

An Australian cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) with a gray body and distinctive red head, known for its loud harsh call.

Etymology

From Australian Aboriginal languages (likely Dharug or related languages of New South Wales), where 'gang-gang' is imitative of the bird's distinctive grating vocalization.

Kelly Says

The gang-gang cockatoo's name is one of the purest examples of onomatopoeia—Aboriginal peoples literally named it after the sound it makes, and that name stuck even after English colonists arrived in Australia.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.