• samus12345@sh.itjust.works
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      4 days ago

      Interesting that it’s the same meaning. I wonder if it came from the Germanic word (particularly the Dutch), or if both languages ended up calling them the same thing independently?

      • k0e3@lemmy.ca
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        4 days ago

        I wouldn’t be surprised if we learned it from the Germans as I don’t think the little guys are native to Japan!

        • samus12345@sh.itjust.works
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          3 days ago

          The Dutch and Portuguese were the most influential early foreigners, and it’s “washing bear” in Dutch as well, so they would be the prime suspect.

          • k0e3@lemmy.ca
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            3 days ago

            That’s true. I think we use German loan words mostly for medical stuff (probably not anymore).