Have you heard of kangaroo words?
Kangaroo words contain their synonyms.
For example, the word “chicken” contains the word “hen” which means the same thing! A kangaroo’s child is called a joey, so the parent word is the kangaroo word, and the smaller word contained within it, the child word, is called the joey. The letters that make a joey word, must appear in the correct order; so, no mixing or rearranging letters.
So, why is this important? Honestly, it’s probably not. I’ve lived my entire adult life without ever hearing about kangaroo words, but you know what? They are fun. So, if you enjoy wordplay, or if these words help you remember some of the terms, then it’s totally worth it.
Check out the examples below, and then use these words in your own writing and speaking.
How many joey words can you find in the kangaroos below?
alone
blossom
container
deceased
encourage
feasted
gigantic
history
insignia
joviality
latest
matches
neurotic
observe
precipitation
quintuplet
rampage
sweaty
transportation
unsightly
vegetarian
where
Answers
alone – lone / one (That’s called a grand kangaroo word because the joey word has a joey word too.)
blossom – bloom
container – can / tin (That’s a twin kangaroo word!)
deceased – dead
encourage – urge
feasted – fed
gigantic – giant
history – story
insignia – sing
joviality – joy
latest – last
matches – mate
neurotic – nut
observe – see
precipitation – rain
quintuplet – quintet
rampage – rage
sweaty – wet
transportation – transport / train
unsightly – ugly
vegetarian – vegan
There are LOTS more kangaroo words out there. So, if you like, have a look around and share your favorites!
Like this example? Did I forget something? Get in touch and let me know!
