Why do you use the word gorilla in English?

The word "gorilla" comes from the Greek word "gorillai", which was used by the ancient Greek writer Hanno the Navigator to describe a large, hairy, wild creature he encountered on an expedition to West Africa.

It's important to note that Hanno's account is vague, and it's unclear exactly what animal he was referring to. However, his description, along with the fact that gorillas are native to West Africa, suggests that he was indeed describing the animal we now know as the gorilla.

Here's a brief timeline of how the word "gorilla" came into English:

* Ancient Greece: Hanno the Navigator uses the word "gorillai" to describe a large, hairy creature.

* 18th century: The word "gorilla" is adopted into English, likely influenced by Hanno's account and the increasing knowledge of African wildlife.

* 19th century: The word "gorilla" is definitively linked to the specific species of ape we know today, thanks to the work of explorers and scientists.

So, the word "gorilla" in English originates from the ancient Greek language, with its roots in a historical account of a mysterious creature in West Africa.