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by Mastodon on September 2nd, 2008

Mastodon

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Why do Australians call turtles tortoises, when there are no tortoises native to Australia?

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Answers. 5 helpful answers below.

  • by Lady Alathia of Vulcan on September 2nd, 2008

    Lady Alathia of Vulcan

    With their accent, "toor-toyce" is much more fun to say.

    Please don't downrate me... I live Aussie accents. ^_^

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  • by Nitroduck on September 2nd, 2008

    Nitroduck

    Same reason the British call the hood of a car a "bonnet"... It doesnt' look like a woman's hat to me.

    Actually, I think these little "nuances" are extremely interesting. While all of these cultures may speak English, there are hundreds of differences which can still create a language barrier. Spain Spanish, Mexican Spanish and Venezuelan Spanish have differences as well.

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  • by cobber on September 2nd, 2008

    cobber

    turtles and tortoises are related, but they are different species. Turtles are marine animals (but many spend some time on land), and tortoises are land animals (but many spend some time in water).
    I don't know what the aussies call them, and I don't know what are native to their continent, but if they are calling turtles tortoises, or tortoises turtles, they are mistaken.
    But, many people, from many places, call all reptiles with a shell on their back turtles. Turtle is an accepted general lable for Joe Public.

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  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on September 2nd, 2008

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    Because tortoises are cooler?

    I don't know...

    Anyone Australian on here that knows?

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  • by The Chief on September 2nd, 2008

    The Chief

    I'm not sure myself.

    Maybe for the same reason the phrase "Where the deer and the antelope play" appears in the song "Home on the Range", even though antelope are not native to the United States: it just sounds good and fits real well.

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