Posted by Adam Quinan on June 17, 1999 at 23:32:51 from cache1.cc.interlog.com:
In Reply to: Re: Another unAmerican word - question posted by Woll on June 17, 1999 at 20:37:26:
I have always understood that the word loon (or Great Northern Diver which is featured on our dollar coin called the loonie and our $20 note and was present at the last Ontario Corroboree swimming past the festivities) was derived from its lunatic or crazed howling call. Its very eerie in the dark on a quiet lake. however, my old Chambers etymological Dictionary does suggest the old Norse "lomr" whatever that may mean!