flamingo
/fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.06 in modern English
14
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
Example Sentences
Etymology
From Portuguese flamengo (“flamingo”) and Spanish flamenco (“flamingo”), which were adapted from Catalan flamenc (“flamingo”), of disputed ultimate origin in this sense. All three forms are used adjectivally as an ethnonym meaning 'Flemish' (of Germanic origin, cognate to English Fleming); Spanish flamenco refers also to a dance type. Compare also French flamant (“flamingo”). *The bird's name may derive from the ethnonym by an association of a ruddy complexion or hair color with the Flemings; this etymology is supported by Corominas. (In Spanish, flamenco can be used colloquially as an adjective meaning "robust, healthy-looking".) * Alternatively, the dance flamenco, the bird name, or both come from attaching the same Germanic-derived ending found in the ethnonym to the distinct root of Latin flamma (“flame”): i.e. Catalan flamenc has been analyzed as flama (“flame”) + -enc. Compare also Portuguese -engo.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/