On Feb 19, 2010, at 11:22 AM, Hans Aberg wrote:
As for the naming problem, it is more of a linguistic problem: the names were somehow handed by tradition, and it may be difficult to change them. For example, there is a rumor that "kangaroo" means "I do not understand" in a native language; assuming this to be true, it might be difficult to change it.
OED entry for kangaroo, n; etymology: [Stated to have been the name in a native Australian language. Cook and Banks believed it to be the name given to the animal by the natives at Endeavour River, Queensland, and there is later affirmation of its use elsewhere. On the other hand, there are express statements to the contrary (see quotations below), showing that the word, if ever current in this sense, was merely local, or had become obsolete. The common assertion that it really means ‘I don't understand’ (the supposed reply of the native to his questioner) seems to be of recent origin and lacks confirmation. ...] Turning to the Wikipedia article, we find "The word kangaroo derives from the Guugu Yimidhirr word gangurru, referring to a grey kangaroo" and "A common myth about the kangaroo's English name is that 'kangaroo' was a Guugu Yimidhirr phrase for "I don't understand you." According to this legend, Captain James Cook and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks were exploring the area when they happened upon the animal. They asked a nearby local what the creatures were called. The local responded "Kangaroo", meaning "I don't understand you", which Cook took to be the name of the creature. The Kangaroo myth was debunked in the 1970s by linguist John B. Haviland in his research with the Guugu Yimidhirr people." See the wikipedia page for references, especially Haviland's article. It's time this urban legend was forgotten.