Ladybird vs. Ladybug

Peter Rukavina

[[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.

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Submitted by Rob L. on

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

Submitted by Kelly on

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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.

Submitted by Jane B. on

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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

Submitted by oliver on

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

Submitted by oliver on

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

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Photo of Peter RukavinaI am . I am a writer, letterpress printer, and a curious person.

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