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Clever collective nouns that show English language has a sense of humour

TNN | Last updated on - Jul 22, 2019, 08:00 IST
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1/9

Clever collective nouns that show English language has a sense of humour

Collective nouns are an essential part of language. While we may not use them as often in our daily conversations, we did memorise some of them in school. From a pack of cards to a litter of puppies, many slip off our tongue inadvertently. However, the collective nouns of some animals are derived from their characteristics and are very witty or just plain silly sometimes! Here are some of the best ones.
Photo: Shutterstock
2/9

​ A parliament of owls

Owls are hunters and solitary creatures by nature, its very rare to see many of them together in a parliament. This could be because they have always been associated with wisdom. They were the sacred animal of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. In Athena's city, Athens, is said to have had the first known democracy in the world so it would make sense her sacred animals have a parliament.
Photo: Shutterstock
3/9

​ An ambush of tigers

The need for a collective noun for tigers is odd for they are solitary and territorial, only sharing territory while mating. Still, the word ambush suits their stealthy hunting style.
Photo: Shutterstock
4/9

A murder of crows

This ominous collective noun is probably because it's not uncommon to see a lot of crows attack a single bird as a group, which looks like a murder. Crows are territorial and are likely to attack newcomers in their area.
Photo: Shutterstock
5/9

An obstinacy of buffalo

The collective term herd is most popularly used with most bovines including bison and buffaloes but anyone who's had to deal with them can tell you that obstinacy suits their nature well.
Photo: Shutterstock
6/9

​ A flamboyance of flamingos

With their bright pink plumage and their lanky grace, flamingoes are definitely like the fashionistas of the animal kingdom. They usually do things in large groups and it makes sense to refer to the bright pink collection of birds as a flamboyance.
Photo: Shutterstock
7/9

​ Clowder of cats

While clowder is the most common collective noun, several cats together are can also be called a Destruction of Cats, a Glaring of Cats or a Pounce of Cats. Maybe you can choose the noun depending on the personality of cats in question.
Photo: Shutterstock
8/9

​ A pandemonium of parrots

Parrots are great companions because, like humans, they can learn to say words and communicate. However, they can be noisyas pets and wild parrots are loud and it's probably why their collective term is pandemonium.
Photo: Shutterstock
9/9

A pride of lions

No wonder the word pride is associated with the Kings of the Forest. Although except family, they are not seen in groups.
Photo: Shutterstock
Top Comment
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divyanshi chopra
2502 days ago
Shadow of jaguars,School of fishes,Conspiracy of lemurs,Pace of donkeysParade of elephants...
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