kaka
Low (C2)Specialized/Technical (Zoological/Ornithological); informal/vulgar (excrement sense)
Definition
Meaning
A large, olive-brown parrot native to New Zealand, with greyish crown and red underwing.
A term that can refer specifically to the New Zealand kaka (Nestor meridionalis) but may be used broadly for its genus. In certain regions (e.g., Polynesia), the word can mean 'parrot' generically. It is also a rare, informal, childish term for faeces/excrement in some English dialects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a zoological term for a specific parrot species. The informal excrement sense is homographic and homophonic but semantically unrelated. The zoological term is capitalized in some contexts when part of a proper name (e.g., New Zealand Kaka).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, 'kaka' as a parrot is a specialized term known mainly to bird enthusiasts or those familiar with New Zealand fauna. The informal excrement sense is extremely rare in modern American English but slightly more attested in historical or regional British English.
Connotations
The ornithological sense carries connotations of conservation, uniqueness, and New Zealand ecology. The informal sense, when used, is considered childish, rude, or vulgar.
Frequency
In both regions, the word is very low-frequency. The parrot sense would be understood primarily in relevant specialist or geographical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [adjective] kaka [verb] in the forest.To [conserve/observe/protect] the kaka.A [species/population] of kaka [exists/thrives/declines].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None for the ornithological sense. Informal sense: 'talk kaka' (rare, meaning to talk nonsense/rubbish).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation science papers discussing New Zealand avifauna.
Everyday
Virtually unused unless discussing New Zealand wildlife. The informal excrement sense is rare and impolite.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology for the species Nestor meridionalis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conservationists are working to kaka-proof the feeding stations.
- (Note: Non-standard, very rare verbal use derived from the noun).
American English
- (No standard verbal usage in AmE).
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial usage).
American English
- (No adverbial usage).
adjective
British English
- The kaka population on the island is recovering.
- We studied kaka behaviour for months.
American English
- The kaka recovery program is showing success.
- Kaka conservation efforts require funding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a picture of a kaka.
- The kaka is a bird from New Zealand.
- The kaka is a large, brown parrot with a strong beak.
- You can sometimes see the kaka in New Zealand forests.
- Due to habitat loss and predators, the kaka is now an endangered species.
- The distinctive, screeching call of the kaka echoes through the native bush.
- The reintroduction programme has been crucial for stabilising the kaka population on predator-free offshore islands.
- Researchers use radio transmitters to monitor the foraging patterns and territorial ranges of individual kaka.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Kaka in Kakapo' – both are unique, flightless-capable parrots from New Zealand, starting with 'Ka'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSERVATION IS A BATTLE (e.g., 'The fight to save the kaka'). NATIVE SPECIES ARE TREASURES (e.g., 'The kaka is a national treasure').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with Russian 'кака' (childish word for faeces). While the English informal sense is identical, the primary English meaning is a bird.
- Do not translate 'kaka' as 'parrot' without specifying it's a specific New Zealand species. The Russian generic word 'попугай' is too broad.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'kakka' or 'caca'.
- Assuming it's a common word in general English.
- Confusing it with the more famous 'kakapo' (another New Zealand parrot).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'kaka' most appropriately used in formal English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the pronunciation is identical (/ˈkɑː.kə/), which can cause unintended humour or confusion outside of ornithological contexts.
Both are parrots in the genus Nestor native to New Zealand. The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a larger, olive-green, alpine parrot from the South Island, known for its intelligence and curiosity. The kaka is more forest-dwelling and has more brown and crimson colouring.
No. While related Polynesian words may mean 'parrot', in English 'kaka' specifically refers to the New Zealand species Nestor meridionalis. Using it for other parrots (e.g., a macaw or cockatoo) would be incorrect.
It refers to a specific animal not found in most English-speaking countries. It is part of a specialised vocabulary (ornithology/New Zealand English) and is rarely encountered in general media or conversation.