laughing jackass
Noun: 1. A large Australian kingfisher (Dacelo novaeguineae) known for its loud, distinctive call that resembles human laughter. This is the primary and most common meaning. The bird is also commonly called the kookaburra. 2. (Rare/Historical) An almost extinct owl of New Zealand (Sceloglaux albifacies). This meaning refers to a specific owl, also known as the laughing owl, which is now believed to be extinct. This usage is much less common today.
- Noun (Australian Kingfisher):
- The sound of the laughing jackass echoed through the bush at dawn.
- We spotted a laughing jackass perched on a gum tree branch.
- Noun (New Zealand Owl - historical context):
- Early settlers described the eerie call of the laughing jackass, the now-extinct owl of New Zealand.
- The term is often used in Australian English and cultural references to evoke the distinctive sound of the Australian bush.
- Due to potential confusion with the extinct owl, the common name kookaburra is preferred in formal and scientific contexts for the Australian bird.
- Kookaburra: The standard common name for the Australian kingfisher ().
- Laughing Kookaburra: The full common name.
- Laughing Owl: The common name for the extinct New Zealand owl ().
- For the Australian bird: Kookaburra, Laughing Kookaburra.
- For the New Zealand owl: Laughing Owl, Whēkau (Māori name).
The meaning of "laughing jackass" is entirely dependent on geographical and historical context. In modern Australian English, it unequivocally refers to the kookaburra. In historical or New Zealand contexts, it could refer to the extinct owl. The "laughing" part describes the sound of its call, while "jackass" is an old colloquial term for a donkey, used here to compare the bird's raucous call to a donkey's bray.
- almost extinct owl of New Zealand
- Australian kingfisher having a loud cackling cry