Raccoons are famous for their tendency to "wash" their food, but they're not washing anything at all! (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 months ago by ickplant@lemmy.world to c/raccoons@lemmy.world

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[-] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

"Washing bears" in German.

[-] k0e3@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 months ago

Same as Japanese, araiguma

[-] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 0 points 3 months ago

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?

[-] k0e3@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 months ago

I wouldn't be surprised if we learned it from the Germans as I don't think the little guys are native to Japan!

[-] samus12345@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 months ago

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.

[-] Shelena@feddit.nl 0 points 3 months ago

Same in Dutch: Wasbeer.

[-] SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 3 months ago

What I call the empty bottle of ale

this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2025

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