Origins:
* Old Norse: The word "lún" in Old Norse referred to a "fool" or "idiot."
* Middle English: This word evolved into "loon" in Middle English, still carrying the meaning of "fool" or "idiot."
Connection to the Bird:
* Behavior: The common loon (Gavia immer) is known for its loud, haunting calls and its seemingly clumsy movements on land. Its somewhat erratic behavior, particularly when compared to other birds, led people to associate it with the word "loon" and its meaning of foolishness.
* Bird Name: By the 16th century, the word "loon" had become associated specifically with the bird.
Other Theories:
* Some suggest that "loon" may be derived from the bird's call, which sounds like a mournful "loon" or "looning" sound.
* Others propose a connection to the bird's practice of diving deep into the water, as if "looming" beneath the surface.
Conclusion:
While the exact etymology is debatable, the word "loon" likely originated from the Old Norse word for "fool" and became associated with the bird due to its perceived foolishness or unusual behavior. The word has been used to describe the bird for centuries and remains a common term today.