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this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2025
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Raccoons
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"Washing bears" in German.
Same as Japanese, araiguma
Interesting that it's the same meaning. I wonder if it came from the Germanic word (particularly the Dutch), or if both languages ended up calling them the same thing independently?
I wouldn't be surprised if we learned it from the Germans as I don't think the little guys are native to Japan!
The Dutch and Portuguese were the most influential early foreigners, and it's "washing bear" in Dutch as well, so they would be the prime suspect.
Same in Dutch: Wasbeer.
What I call the empty bottle of ale