Informal term for alligator; also refers to fans or students of the University of Florida (whose mascot is the Gator).
Shortened form of 'alligator', which comes from Spanish el lagarto meaning 'the lizard'. The clipping 'gator' emerged in American English in the 19th century.
It's fascinating that 'alligator' literally means 'the lizard' in Spanish - early explorers saw these massive reptiles and just called them 'big lizards'! The casual 'gator' shows how American English loves to shorten words.
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