aardvarkとは

意味・読み方・使い方

別の表記

• aard-vark, erdvark

語源

Borrowed from Afrikaans aardvark (廃れた用法), erdvark, from aarde (“earth”), (from Dutch, from Middle Dutch aerde) + vark (“pig”), (from Middle Dutch varken). Early European colonists in South Africa noticed that the animal was similar to a pig, while "aarde" hints at the animal's habit of burrowing.

発音

• (Received 発音) IPA^(key): /ˈɑːd.vɑːk/
• (米国発音) IPA^(key): /ˈɑɹd.vɑɹk/

名詞

aardvark (複数形 aardvarks)

1. The nocturnal, insectivorous, burrowing, mammal Orycteropus afer, of the order Tubulidentata, somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. [from late 18^th c.]

   Synonyms: African anteater, antbear, ant bear, anteater, earth pig

   The aardvark burrows in the ground and feeds mostly on termites, which it catches with its long, slimy tongue.

2. (slang, particularly in the southeast US) A silly or credulous person who is prone to mistakes or blunders.

   Synonym: fool

   I walked into the wrong bathroom like a total aardvark.

   (The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:)