Definition of the word baboon

The origin of the word "baboon" can be traced back to the Arabic language. The Arabic word for baboon is "بابون" (bābūn), which literally means "father of winds." This name was given to the baboon due to its aggressive behavior and loud vocalizations, which were believed to resemble the sounds of the wind. The Arabic word for baboon was adopted by the Latin language and was transliterated as "bubalus," which in turn was used by medieval Latin and old French writers to describe various primates, including baboons, mandrills, and vervet monkeys. Later, the English language borrowed the word "baboon" from the Middle French "bandour," which itself comes from the Arabic "bābūn." In addition to its Arabic origins, some researchers have suggested that the word "baboon" may have a bit of a sarcastic or derisive connotation, as "bāb" in Arabic also means "door" or "gate." The idea being that the baboon's loud vocalizations could be akin to unrestrained or unruly behavior coming out of a door or gate, as if the baboon is bursting out of its own "bāb" uncontrollably. However, it is unclear whether this theory has any linguistic merit or is just an etymological myth. Regardless, the word "baboon" has become well-established in the English language, and today it is commonly used to describe a group of large-bodied Old World monkeys that are found in Africa.