laughing jackass

American  

noun

1. kookaburra.

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laughing jackass British  

noun

1. another name for kookaburra

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Etymology

Origin of laughing jackass

First recorded in 1780–90; so called because of its loud braying sound

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

laughing jackass

He remembered now to have heard of the bird peculiar to Australia, popularly known as "the laughing jackass."

From In A New World or, Among The Gold Fields Of Australia by Horatio Alger

And the laughing jackass is a Victorian bird.

From Stingaree by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung

As the Victorian galloped into the darkness, and the New South Welshman dashed wildly after the third horse, the laughing jackass in the invisible middle-distance gave his last grotesque guffaw at departed day.

From Stingaree by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung

This was very clever and very plucky; nevertheless, a tame laughing jackass that Harry had in a huge cage was to them a pet aversion.

From From Squire to Squatter A Tale of the Old Land and the New by Gordon Stables

Indeed, it was nearly dark already, and in the nebulous middle-distance a laughing jackass was indulging in his evening peal.

From Stingaree by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung