pronk

Everyday

1. verb: When an animal like a springbok, gazelle or deer pronks, it leaps high into the air with all four legs stiff, often several times. tree →
2. noun: Such a leap. tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons about Africa, springboks pronk (also called «stotting») to show predators like cheetahs that they are fit and fast, so not worth chasing. Lambs and goats sometimes pronk when playful. Phrases: «springboks pronk», «pronking gazelles».

Examples

• The springbok pronked high into the air. tree →
• Gazelles pronk to show lions they are strong. tree →
• Pronking is also called stotting. tree →
• The lambs were pronking around the field in spring. tree →
• We watched a video of antelopes pronking. tree →
• Our puppy did a funny little pronk when it saw the ball. tree →

Note

Past «pronked». From Afrikaans «pronk» (to show off). Not a common word; mainly in nature books. Same idea: «stot», «stotting».