Skipjack
/ˈskɪp.dʒæk/noun
A small tuna, especially the commercially important species Katsuwonus pelamis, known for leaping from the water.
Did you know?Skipjack tuna are famous for bursting out of the sea in groups, a behavior that likely inspired the vivid English compound rather than any occult meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
scippian
“To move lightly or leap; an early Germanic source associated with skipping movement.”
Middle English
Middle English
skippen
“To leap, hop, or move with a light springing motion.”
17th Century
English
skipjack
“A name for a jumping or leaping fish; the compound combines skip with Jack, a familiar male name often used generically for a person or creature.”
18th Century
English
skipjack
“A common name for several fish that leap or move energetically at the surface.”
19th Century
English
skipjack tuna
“The established commercial name for Katsuwonus pelamis, a schooling tuna known for surface activity and jumping.”
Modern English
English
skipjack
“Usually the skipjack tuna, though the word can also refer regionally to other jumping fish or animals.”