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Anonymous Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Why do the masculine and feminine names of animals differ so much?

For example:

ox vs cow

horse vs mare

dog vs bitch

sheep vs ram

?

Although I do not know the gender names of many animals like pigs and rats and camels and elephants, if they are different I would bet they are very different too.

  

Top answer

The original names go way back in linguistic history. There are different names for the young animals, too. bull / cow (steer) Used for many species - camels, bovines, elephants, elk, walruses and others.

  • The original names go way back in linguistic history.
  • There are different names for the young animals, too.
  • bull / cow (steer) Used for many species - camels, bovines, elephants, elk, walruses and others.
  • com/2016/04/male-and-female-animals /
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1 Answers
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The original names go way back in linguistic history. There are different names for the young animals, too.

bull / cow (steer) Used for many species - camels, bovines, elephants, elk, walruses and others.

stallion / mare (gelding)

ram / ewe

sow / hog

stag or buck / doe

rooster / hen or chicken

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