Gugubarra
/ˌɡʊɡəˈbærə/noun
An Australian Aboriginal name and variant English form for the kookaburra, a large kingfisher known for its loud call.
Did you know?Gugubarra is related to the name kookaburra, and both are generally understood as Aboriginal onomatopoeic names echoing the bird’s distinctive call rather than words with a literal dictionary translation.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial period
Wiradjuri and related Australian Aboriginal languages
guuguubarra
“An onomatopoeic name associated with the kookaburra’s call; exact source-language attribution varies by reference.”
19th Century
Australian English
gugubarra
“A recorded Aboriginal name for the kookaburra adopted into English usage.”
19th Century
Australian English
kookaburra
“An English spelling and pronunciation of Aboriginal names for the bird.”
Modern English
English
gugubarra
“A regional or variant form referring to the kookaburra.”
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