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Glite Dictionary
Pelican State

Pelican State

4.8
A nickname for the United States state of Louisiana because the brown pelican is its state bird
  • proper noun
  • /ˈpɛlɪkən steɪt/
  • US
translation icon : Estado Pelícano
  • Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, is famous for its vibrant culture.

Examples

  • Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, has a rich cultural heritage.

  • The Pelican State is famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

  • Many tourists visit the Pelican State to experience its vibrant music scene and delicious cuisine.

  • The Pelican State is beautiful.

  • Louisiana, popularly referred to as the Pelican State, is home to many festivals each year.

  • Visitors to the Pelican State often enjoy exploring the historic plantations and bayous.

  • As the Pelican State, Louisiana is recognized for its unique wildlife and coastal ecosystems.

Synonyms

Louisiana
vsPelican State
491 1.0

A state in the southern United States by the Gulf of Mexico known for music, food, and festivals

is an informal nickname that highlights the local state bird
LA
vsPelican State
3.4

A state in the southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico

is an informal nickname rather than an official written code
La.
vsPelican State
2.3

A southern state in the United States on the Gulf of Mexico

is an informal nickname not a written abbreviation or form

Surface Forms

Pelican State main

Morphology

pelican + state

The phrase 'Pelican State' transparently combines 'pelican' (the bird) with 'state' (a regional political entity) to indicate a state associated with pelicans, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer it is a nickname for a state noted for pelicans. This animal+state nickname pattern is cross-linguistically common, so the overall meaning is directly derivable even if the learner may not know it specifically names Louisiana.

Etymology

Pelican State comes from the brown pelican, the state bird that lives along Louisiana's coast and appears on the state's flag. That's why the name Pelican State is used as a short 'nickname' for Louisiana.