Names for groups of animals - terms of venery

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores creative and humorous terms of venery for various animal groups, emphasizing the playful nature of language. Participants suggest original names such as "slime of slugs," "honkfest of geese," and "flotilla of narwhal." The conversation highlights the distinction between terms like "gaggle" and "flock" for geese, clarifying that "gaggle" applies only when they are on land or water. Overall, the thread showcases a lighthearted approach to naming animal groups, encouraging creativity and imagination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of English language terminology related to animal group names
  • Familiarity with common animal species and their characteristics
  • Knowledge of traditional terms of venery
  • Basic grasp of linguistic creativity and wordplay
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical origins of terms of venery in English literature
  • Explore the significance of animal group names in cultural contexts
  • Investigate modern adaptations and humorous variations of traditional animal names
  • Learn about the role of language evolution in naming conventions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for linguists, writers, educators, and anyone interested in the whimsical aspects of language and animal nomenclature.

jim mcnamara
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I always thought that a gaggle of geese was appropriate, but it seems that gaggle is only when they are on land. Who knew? Who cared?

A flock of geese is a generic term that describes a group of geese that is in any physical location. A gaggle of geese describes a flock of geese that is located on the ground or in anybody of water. A skein of geese describes a flock of geese as they fly through the air.

https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/flock-geese-called-431354c83b05ec57

More

http://www.writers-free-reference.com/172groupnames.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animal_names
 
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A Victorian writer with an overabundance propriety cared. He's dead now. So, how about a honkfest of geese? Now that nobody cares anymore.
 
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I've always referred to a group of sea cucumbers as a "salad" (especially when there are some snails hanging around)...stupid, sure, but small kids like it and parents tend to roll their eyes. For me, that's a win.
 
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An flotilla of Narwhal

(not sure of the plural of narwhal).
They look like this.

---------------------------
A Tangle of Nematodes
Round worms, look like this.

----------------------------
A Fuzz of Fungus
Not an animal though.
 
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