What does the aboriginal word for kangaroo mean?

Answer 1

It is a common myth that the word "kangaroo" means "I don't understand what you're saying". The legend goes that early Australian settlers reportedly asked the indigenous people what the hopping creature was called. The native replied 'kangaru' which in his language meant 'I don't know' or 'I don't understand'.

According to reliable sources, the word "kangaroo" is believed to have come from the Aboriginal word gangurru, a Guugu Yimidhirr word referring to the Grey Kangaroo. Captain James Cook's botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, first recorded the word as "kangaru" when the Endeavour was damaged on the Great Barrier Reef near modern-day Cooktown, and required the crew to stay on the mainland for almost 7 weeks repairing their ship. This gave Banks ample time to make copious notes on the fauna and flora, and to be certain of the Aboriginal word for kangaroo, even though he had trouble translating it into written form.

Answer 2

The word "kangaroo" does not mean anything. It is a complete myth that it translates to "I don't understand your question" or "I don't know what you're saying".

The word is believed to have come from the Aboriginal word gangurru, a Guugu Yimidhirr word referring to the Grey Kangaroo. Captain James Cook's botanist, Sir Joseph Banks, first recorded the word as "kangaru" when the Endeavour was damaged on the Great Barrier Reef near modern-day Cooktown.

Answer 3

The Australian flag does not have a kangaroo on it.

The Australian coat of arms has a kangaroo and an emu, both of which are believed to have been included as neither has ever been recorded as taking a backward step - hence, "Advance Australia". While there is considerable dispute over the veracity of this statement, it remains the reason why (according to the government website) these creatures were included on the coat of arms.

Answer 4

Kangaroo originates from the word, ganurra - used by the aborigines from Queensland, Australia

Answer 5

Sometimes one will see a "kangaroo sign" on roads - this warns that kangaroos may be encountered on the road ahead for the next few kilometres.