Ladybird vs. Ladybug

Oliver and I were listening to the CBeebies Best Bits podcast this morning and they mentioned a six-legged spotted beetle called a “ladybird.” It seems that in Britain, as well as South Africa and Australia, this is what they call what we call a “ladybug.” Who knew.

Comments

Rob L.'s picture
Rob L. on April 25, 2008 - 17:16 Permalink

We had the same conversation at our house last evening after hearing Mr. Maker refer to ladybirds on Treehouse.

Kelly's picture
Kelly on April 25, 2008 - 19:48 Permalink

Rob, as did we; Mr. Maker’s reference sparked that conversation in our house too. That, and the wondering if it is a BBC show or Australian.

Jane B.'s picture
Jane B. on April 25, 2008 - 20:15 Permalink

Now I did know this…as a child I went on many trips to the UK and do recall hearing this often (along with many other words that were different from what I knew in Canada). What really reminds me of this though is the children’s book series from the UK. They are called Ladybird books…the logo clearly helps with the remembering! See here…http://www.ladybird.co.uk/index.html

oliver's picture
oliver on April 25, 2008 - 20:19 Permalink

I knew, but I forget why LBJ’s wife was called “Ladybird”

oliver's picture
oliver on April 25, 2008 - 20:23 Permalink

Ah…Wikipedia says the nickname (spelling it “Lady Bird”) originated with her childhood “nurse” likening her prettiness to the bug’s.

Marian's picture
Marian on April 26, 2008 - 00:36 Permalink

I always used both.

Marian's picture
Marian on April 26, 2008 - 00:36 Permalink

I’ve always used both.

Marian's picture
Marian on April 26, 2008 - 00:36 Permalink

oops

oliver's picture
oliver on April 27, 2008 - 05:15 Permalink

Both? Well, half of all Canadians say “shedule” too. An intriguing datum, but not an advance regarding the hypothesis of U.K. origin.