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

The first time the author made the acquaintance of the "laughing jackass" was in the bird, fruit, and flower market on George Street.

From Under the Southern Cross or Travels in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Samoa, and Other Pacific Islands by Ballou, Maturin Murray

In the Zoological Gardens of Adelaide I saw the only laughing jackass that ever showed any disposition to be courteous to me.

From Following the Equator, Part 2 by Twain, Mark

The bell-bird, cat-bird, and laughing jackass announce their presence in unmistakable utterances, all serving to keep the senses on the qui vive.

From Under the Southern Cross or Travels in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Samoa, and Other Pacific Islands by Ballou, Maturin Murray

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 Alger, Horatio

Wild wallabies were plentiful round about, and the "laughing jackass" first made himself known to me.

From Ranching, Sport and Travel by Carson, Thomas