this post was submitted on 10 Sep 2023
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Mainly just curious to see how many non-US people we have. I know some languages have more than one word for owl.

Where are you from, and how do you say owl where you are from, and what sound do they make?

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[–] thegiddystitcher@lemm.ee 11 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Lots of people complaining that the English example is too British, but nobody is telling me what sound American owls make!

[–] Rehwyn@lemmy.world 16 points 1 year ago (2 children)

In American English, owl sounds are typically called their "hoot", so for example one would say, "I heard the owl hooting all night."

If one were to spell out the sound, it might be a "hoo, hoo."

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Just realized I never posted an actual Tawny Owl, just the cartoon. So here are the real Twit and Twoo!

[–] thegiddystitcher@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Makes sense, thank you for putting me out of my misery 😄

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The ~~Barn~~ Barred Owl also says "who cooks for you?" In America as well.

[–] Rehwyn@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Generally that's a pneumonic for remembering the Barred Owl call, not the Barn Owl. Barn Owls actually have a call that's more of a raspy screech.

But I'd say the majority of Americans wouldn't know one owl call from another, haha. I'm into the outdoors so know a handful, but am far from an expert.

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Shoot, you are right. My brain always tries to switch those 2 on me. Too much barred barn barararar... 🤯

I only hear the Great Horned Owls where I'm at. He's a pretty easy one to pick out too. Hoo HOOoo hooo hooo hooo!

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I just want people to specify which "English" people are referencing it when it's a language related subject. I'm sure there is a ton of confusion when we gets Brits, Americans, Australians, Nigerians, and whoever else speaks this language natively.

My Irish coworker just told me about "pass the parcel" today, and while those words all make sense to me, I would probably never have worked out the meaniy that someone from UK would immediately understand.

I have now become a fan of the Twit Twoo, and I take back my original scoffing.

[–] Cethin@lemmy.zip 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Yeah, this comic should probably have labels by nation, not by language.

[–] thegiddystitcher@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Now I also need to know what you call pass the parcel!

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Nothing! We have no such thing. The first thing I thought of was musical chairs mixed with a White Elephant gift exchange.

I see why you kicked the Puritans out, they really stripped the fun from everything!

[–] thegiddystitcher@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

I aim not just to educate about owls...but to educate about life! 😂😂