Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Why is it a "murder" of crows? | COLLECTIVE NOUNS
May 1, 2024
Dive into the whimsical world of collective nouns, where you’ll learn why crows are called a 'murder' and flamingos flaunt a 'flamboyance.' Discover the intriguing origins behind these quirky terms, revealing insights from a 15th-century hunting manual. Explore the playful evolution of language as it reflects societal views through whimsical phrases like 'parliament of owls' and 'crash of rhinos.' Join the fun as humor blends with history to uncover the creativity behind our language.
29:20
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Quick takeaways
- Collective nouns like 'murder' of crows reflect the whimsical connection between animal behaviors and language creativity.
- The historical context of collective nouns in the 'Book of St. Albans' highlights their role in social etiquette and language's significance in social mobility.
Deep dives
The Fascinating World of Collective Nouns
Collective nouns, known as nouns of assembly or terms of venery, encompass unique group names for animals, each reflecting characteristics or behaviors. Examples include a 'murder' of crows, a 'flamboyance' of flamingos, and an 'ambush' of tigers, illustrating a whimsical and often poetic connection to the animals' nature. The term 'venery' originates from a Latin word meaning to pursue or hunt, highlighting the historical context of hunting in the formation of these names. Such collective terms showcase the creativity of language, allowing people to engage with the natural world in a distinctly imaginative manner.
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