Here's the story:
* Jumbo was born in Africa and captured in 1861.
* He was brought to England and became a star attraction at the London Zoo.
* He was known for his size, which was truly extraordinary. He was much larger than other elephants at the time, and that's where the word "jumbo" comes from - it was a nickname given to him because he was so big and impressive.
* His popularity was immense. People from all walks of life flocked to see Jumbo.
* In 1882, Jumbo was sold to a circus owner in the United States.
* Tragically, Jumbo was killed in a train accident in 1885.
After Jumbo's death, the word "jumbo" became synonymous with large size and greatness. It started being used to describe anything that was extra-large or exceptional in size.
So, the next time you see a "jumbo jet" or a "jumbo shrimp," remember that the word comes from the name of a truly remarkable elephant!