In the country of antipodes (part 3)

A curious story of the origin of the name of the kangaroo, possibly mythical. James Cook, who “discovered” Australia a second time, wrote in his diary in 1770 about a “strange creature that gallops on its hind legs like a jumping mouse.” He asked the natives what the name of this strange creature is called. Those answered: “Ken ge roo.” From here came the name of these animals, which became the symbol of Australia. And already modern linguists have established that in the language of the natives this expression meant: “I do not understand you.” Continue reading →