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by Andy B has left AB on January 13th, 2009

Andy B has left AB

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I've just read that "Godzilla" is a portmanteau word for "God" and "gorilla". If that's true, where does the "z" come from?

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Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by ACCOUNT CLOSED on January 14th, 2009

    ACCOUNT CLOSED

    Actually, that is false. "Godzilla" isn't even the real name, it is the English name.

    The original Japanese name, is "Gojira", which is actually a portmanteau of "Gorira" (gorilla) and "Kujira" (whale) - because it stands upright like a primate, but lives in the ocean.

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  • by Symbeline on January 14th, 2009

    Symbeline

    Godzilla is the English translation, and I'm guessing that the "zilla" thing may be attributed to the word lizard. Since he's like, a giant, god like lizard. >_>

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  • by Gene H on January 13th, 2009

    Gene H

    It is probably simply not true. Godzilla is Japanese, and while they have incorporated some English into everyday use (radio, milku, Macadonados) the English 'God' and 'gorilla' weren't likely to have been the ones used.

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