tasmanian devil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (zoological/geographical context); Informal (metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “tasmanian devil” mean?
A carnivorous marsupial (Sarcophilus harrisii), native to Tasmania, with a powerful build, black fur, and notorious for its loud, aggressive screeches and fierce feeding behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A carnivorous marsupial (Sarcophilus harrisii), native to Tasmania, with a powerful build, black fur, and notorious for its loud, aggressive screeches and fierce feeding behavior.
1. A metaphor for a person exhibiting extreme fury, aggression, or destructiveness. 2. A voracious or insatiable consumer of something. 3. An energetic, chaotic whirlwind of activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; term is equally understood in both variants due to global nature of zoology and popular culture (e.g., Looney Tunes character). Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
Primary connotation is the animal itself. Metaphorical use is slightly more common in informal US English, likely influenced by the cartoon.
Frequency
Slightly higher metaphorical frequency in AmE, but overall low frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “tasmanian devil” in a Sentence
be + like a Tasmanian devilturn into a Tasmanian devileat like a Tasmanian devilVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tasmanian devil” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He has a sort of Tasmanian-devil energy about him when he's working.
American English
- The meeting descended into Tasmanian-devil chaos.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically: 'The new competitor in the market is a real Tasmanian devil, tearing through our customer base.'
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and conservation studies concerning Australian fauna.
Everyday
Mainly used metaphorically for an angry person or a chaotic, energetic child: 'The toddler was a Tasmanian devil after his nap.'
Technical
Specific to zoological taxonomy and wildlife conservation reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tasmanian devil”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tasmanian devil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tasmanian devil”
- Misspelling as 'Tazmanian devil'. Confusing it with the extinct 'Tasmanian tiger' (thylacine). Using the metaphor without cultural context, leading to confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Looney Tunes character 'Taz' is a highly exaggerated and stylized version of the real animal, popularising its image globally.
They are not considered a threat to humans. They are scavengers and hunters of small prey, but they can be defensive if threatened and have a very powerful bite.
No, they are extinct on mainland Australia and now exist only in the wild on the island state of Tasmania.
The most severe threat is Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer that has drastically reduced wild populations.
A carnivorous marsupial (Sarcophilus harrisii), native to Tasmania, with a powerful build, black fur, and notorious for its loud, aggressive screeches and fierce feeding behavior.
Tasmanian devil is usually formal (zoological/geographical context); informal (metaphorical use) in register.
Tasmanian devil: in British English it is pronounced /tæzˌmeɪ.ni.ən ˈdev.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /tæzˌmeɪ.ni.ən ˈdev.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like a Tasmanian devil (in a china shop)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TASMANIA (the island) + DEVIL (fierce creature). The cartoon character Taz spins like a devilish tornado from Tasmania.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGGRESSION IS A TASMANIAN DEVIL; CHAOS IS A TASMANIAN DEVIL; VORACIOUS CONSUMPTION IS A TASMANIAN DEVIL FEEDING.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the 'Tasmanian devil' is used metaphorically in English?