swoose

[prettygoodword]

swoose (SWOOS) - n., the offspring of a swan and a goose.


Also, by extension, a person or thing sharing the characteristics of two otherwise separate groups -- IOW a hybrid. Sweese (yes, that's the plural, though some midguided souls prefer swooses) are uncommon but are attested under that name as far back as 1911. Enough appeared in the news in the 1920s and 30s that in 1941, the Kay Kyser band had a hit with "Alexander the Swoose." Name's a blend of swan and goose, no surprise, and the offspring of a gander and a swan is a gwan.


Thanks, u/Rattiom32!

---L.

Comments

[calzephyr]

Oh! I thought I knew plenty of words, but I never heard of a swoose--nor knew that swans and geese could hybridize.

[prettygoodword]

I hadn't either (for both of those things) until I stumbled across it. It's such a fun word to say, too -- swoose, swoose, swoose.

[loup_noir]

Now I need to fine a swoose, or better yet, sweese!

[prettygoodword]

Yes -- yes, you do.