kookaburra

Where does the word "kookaburra" come from? It comes from Wiradjuri guuguubarra, and was adopted directly into English (1830s).

Kookaburra’s story begins in Wiradjuri: guuguubarra meant “the laughing kingfisher.” An imitation of the bird's distinctive laughing call. It reached English by 1830s as kookaburra. The Wiradjuri name imitates its laughing call; 'Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree' dates from 1932. Today, kookaburra means a large Australian kingfisher known for its call resembling raucous laughter.

1. Stage 1 · Wiradjuri · 1800s guuguubarra "the laughing kingfisher", an imitation of the bird's distinctive laughing call.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1830s kookaburra "a large Australian kingfisher known for its laughing call", the Wiradjuri name imitates its laughing call; 'Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree' dates from 1932.