emu
emu
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "emu" is /ˈiːmjuː/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
First Syllable: /iː/ (as in "ee" in "see")
Second Syllable: /mjuː/ (as in "myoo" in "music")
Word Form Variations
Singular: emu
Plural: emus
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. Definition: A large, flightless, fast-running bird native to Australia, characterized by a shaggy brown plumage, long neck and legs, and a prominent breastbone. Emus are the second-largest living birds by height, after their close relative, the ostrich.
Synonyms: Australian ostrich (less common, but descriptive), dromaius (scientific term).
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it refers to a specific animal; however, one could consider "small bird" or "flying bird" as conceptual opposites in a broad context).
2. Definition: (Figurative, informal) A person who exhibits characteristics similar to an emu, such as being tall, awkward, or having a peculiar gait, often used in a humorous or affectionate way.
Synonyms: gangly individual, lanky person, string bean (colloquial).
Antonyms: dwarf, short person, nimble person.
Examples of Use
Books:
"The outback landscape stretched endlessly, a shimmering heat haze rising from the red earth, occasionally broken by the fleeting sight of kangaroos and, more rarely, an emu streaking across the horizon." (From a fictional novel set in Australia, e.g., The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, though this specific sentence is illustrative rather than a direct quote).
"In his comprehensive guide to Australian wildlife, the author dedicates an entire chapter to the emu, detailing its diet, breeding habits, and the surprisingly complex social structures within its flocks." (From a non-fiction natural history book, e.g., Birds of Australia by Ken Simpson and Nicolas Day).
Newspapers:
"An emu caused a traffic snarl on the M1 freeway yesterday after wandering onto the busy carriageway, leading to a temporary closure and a concerted effort by wildlife officers to safely capture and relocate the bird." (The Sydney Morning Herald).
"Farmers in Western Australia are reporting an increase in emu sightings near agricultural lands, raising concerns about potential crop damage in the coming harvest season." (The West Australian).
Online Publications:
"Footage of an emu attempting to 'swim' in a small backyard pool has gone viral on social media, delighting viewers worldwide with its clumsy yet determined efforts." (From a popular online news aggregator like BuzzFeed News or Mashable).
"Researchers at the University of Queensland have published new findings on the emu's unique digestive system, shedding light on how these birds efficiently process tough plant material." (From an academic journal's online press release or a science news website like ScienceDaily).
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television (Documentary): "Tonight on 'Wild Australia,' we follow the extraordinary journey of an emu family as they navigate the challenges of the harsh desert, searching for water and food during a prolonged drought." (From a nature documentary series on National Geographic or BBC Earth).
Film (Animation): "In the animated children's film, the plucky little marsupial befriends a wise, old emu who helps him find his way back home through the vast Australian wilderness." (From an animated feature film like Dot and the Kangaroo or a similar modern production).
Video Games: "Players can encounter various Australian wildlife, including the majestic emu, in the open-world exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic Outback." (From a video game description or review, e.g., Mad Max or a similar title).
Music (Song Lyrics): "Dancing in the dust, under the southern cross, with the kangaroos and the emus running free." (From an Australian folk or country song).
General Public Discourse:
Conversational: "You know, when we were driving through the outback, an emu just darted right in front of the car! Had to slam on the brakes." (A common anecdote shared by travelers who have visited Australia).
Educational Context (Zoo Visit): "Look, kids! That's an emu! See how tall it is? It can run really fast, even though it can't fly." (A parent or zookeeper explaining to children at a zoo).
Social Media Post: "Just saw the funniest video of an emu trying to play soccer with a dog. My day is made! #emu #australianwildlife #funnyanimals" (A typical user post on platforms like X/Twitter or Instagram).
Travel Brochure/Advertisement: "Experience the unique wildlife of Australia! Get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and the iconic emu on our guided wildlife tours." (From a tourism advertisement).
10 Famous Quotes Using EMU
"The emu is a strange bird, indeed, with a powerful kick and a dignified, if slightly comical, bearing." (Attributed to various naturalists describing Australian fauna, not a single famous quote, but representative of common description.)
"An emu will run with you on the open plains of Australia, its long legs a blur, its purpose clear." (From a travelogue or nature writing, such as something by Bill Bryson in In a Sunburned Country or similar, though not a direct quote).
"The Emu War was an extraordinary event, highlighting the peculiar challenges of controlling a determined and fast-moving foe, even if that foe was a bird." (From historical accounts or documentaries discussing the 1932 Emu War in Australia, e.g., The Emu War: An Australian Epic by Murray Johnson).
"They move with the grace of an emu in full stride – deceptively fast, surprisingly agile." (Often used in descriptions of athletes or dancers, comparing their movement to the emu).
"Like an emu with its head in the sand, ignoring the obvious dangers." (A common metaphorical phrase, though less widely known than "ostrich with its head in the sand").
"The emu, for all its size, is a creature of surprising shyness, preferring the solitude of the bush." (From a guide to Australian wildlife, a general observation).
"To watch an emu chick hatch is to witness a miniature marvel of nature, a tiny version of its soon-to-be formidable parent." (From a nature documentary narration or educational material).
"In the quiet dawn, the distinctive drumming of the emu echoed across the vast plains, a sound as ancient as the land itself." (Descriptive passage from a fictional work or travel writing set in the Australian outback).
"The market soared like an emu taking flight – if emus could fly, that is – but the descent was equally swift." (An original metaphorical quote, illustrating a sharp, if ultimately grounded, movement).
"Every Australian has a story about an emu; whether it's seeing one by the roadside or a quirky encounter, they're part of our landscape and our lore." (A general statement reflecting public sentiment in Australia, not a single famous quote, but representing common discourse).
Etymology
The word "emu" has a fascinating journey through different languages before it settled on the large Australian bird we know today.
It's not an Indigenous Australian word, which is a common misconception.
The most accepted theory is that "emu" comes from the Portuguese word "ema". This word originally meant a "crane" or other "large bird", including the ostrich. The Portuguese explorers were active in many parts of the world, and they likely picked up this term from an Arabic word for ostrich or a large bird (like "na'amah").
So, the Portuguese word "ema" was used as a general term for large, crane-like, or ostrich-like birds.
When Portuguese navigators encountered the cassowary (another large, flightless bird) in eastern Indonesia, they applied the name "ema" to it.
Later, as European explorers ventured to Australia, they encountered the Australian bird we now call the emu. They then transferred the term "emu" (or earlier forms like "emeu" or "emia") from the cassowary to this new, similar-looking, large flightless bird.
The first known use of the word in English is around the early 1600s, specifically cited as 1613 in the Oxford English Dictionary. At that time, it was initially used to refer to the cassowary. It was only later, in the 19th century, that "emu" definitively settled as the name for the Australian bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae).
Phrases + Idioms Containing EMU:
"Emu parade" - (Lesser-known, Australian context) A term used in Australian slang, often by military personnel or in construction, referring to a line of people walking abreast to pick up rubbish or debris. It's likened to a group of emus foraging.
"To run like an emu" - (Common in Australia, less so elsewhere) To run very fast, usually with long, striding steps.
"As tall as an emu" - (Descriptive phrase) Very tall, emphasizing height.
"To kick like an emu" - (Descriptive phrase) To have a very powerful kick, referring to the emu's strong legs.
"Emu bob" - (Australian context, refers to a specific movement) A low, quick dip of the head, similar to how an emu might peck at the ground. Often used in sports or dance.
"To have an emu's patience" - (Original phrase) To possess a very calm and unhurried demeanor, especially when waiting for something. (Emus are often observed to be quite still).
"An emu's stride" - (Original phrase) To make rapid and significant progress, taking large steps forward in a task or journey.
"To be an emu in the hen house" - (Original idiom, similar to "bull in a china shop") To be awkwardly out of place, causing disruption due to one's size or nature in a delicate situation.
"Headed for an emu" - (Original idiom, playing on "headed for an ostrich") Deliberately ignoring an obvious problem or danger, burying one's head figuratively.
"Playing the emu card" - (Original idiom, similar to "playing the victim card") To use one's perceived awkwardness or simplicity as an excuse or a way to gain sympathy.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of emu from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
