kangaroo (English)
Where does "kangaroo" come from?
The English word 'kangaroo' was borrowed from the Guugu Yimidhirr word 'gangurru', which specifically refers to the eastern grey kangaroo[1]. A popular misunderstanding suggests the word means 'I don't know' in response to European inquiries, but this claim is untrue[1]. Today, the word extends beyond the animal to describe Australian contexts, as well as unstable, rapidly jumping prices in securities markets.
Open questions
- The popular myth that the term arose from a misunderstanding meaning I do not know is explicitly dismissed. [1]
Full etymology tree
- kangaroo (English), 'Of or relating to Australia.'
- borrowed gangurru (Guugu Yimidhirr), 'large grey or black kangaroo'
Ancestors
- gangurru (Guugu Yimidhirr)
Sources
Updated August 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris