A medium-sized carnivorous mammal related to wolves and dogs, found in Africa and Asia. Jackals are known for their opportunistic feeding habits and distinctive howling calls.
From French chacal, which came from Turkish çakal. The Turkish word derives from Persian شغال (shaghāl), which ultimately traces back to Sanskrit शृगाल (śṛgāla) meaning 'jackal.' The word entered English in the 17th century through French, following trade and diplomatic contacts with the Ottoman Empire.
Jackals have been following human settlements for over 4,000 years, which is why their name traveled the same trade routes as merchants and diplomats! The word made an incredible journey from ancient Sanskrit through Persian, Turkish, and French before reaching English, picking up different pronunciations in each language like a linguistic game of telephone.
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