This is the 2nd part of the series of entries where I will proof the 'Complete Integration of the animal in the SW Universe'. I'm not talking about how many creatures that are visible in the Saga. I'm talking about evidence that the 'SW'-universe has accepted the animal as an essential part. The first entry told us everything about the animal in iconography.

1) Iconography
2) LINGUISTIC USE
3. Metaphorical Use
4. Etymology
5. Designs
6. Creatures & Art
7. Sport & Entertainment

CHAPTER 2: LINGUISTIC USE OF THE ANIMAL
Every language on earth has numerous sayings that contain animals. "It's raining cats and dogs" is just one that pops in my mind. In my mother language, Dutch / Flemish, there are plenty of expressions with animals. I'm sure that every language, from Chinese to Swahili, has many sayings that refer to animals. In this entry we will see what popular sayings in the 'SW'-universe contain certain animals.

Indeed, the animal has also found its way into Basic, the standard language of the Core Worlds and the most common language in the 'SW'-universe.

- "However it may turn out just to be a wild Bantha chase" was a phrase used by Obi-Wan Kenobi just before he embarked on his mission to chase General Grievous on Utapau. By using this phrase Obi-Wan meant that he wasn't sure if it was going to be an easy or a difficult assignment. As everybody will know, the Bantha is a long horned furry pack animal from Tatooine and many other planets.
Source: Revenge of the Sith

- Another saying that used the Bantha is the insult 'Bantha fodder' or 'Bantha poodoo' in Huttese.
Source: The Phantom Menace, Return of the Jedi
BANTHA

- "Looking strong enough to pull the ears of a Gundark" means somebody is healthy and strong. Han Solo used it to greet Luke Skywalker when he was recovering from his encounter with the Wampa and Hoth's freezing temperatures in the Echo Base Medical facilities. Gundarks are aggressive and strong anthropoids that exist in different subspecies. Gundarks were often used in gladiatorial arenas. Gundarks were also considered semi-intelligent.
Source: The Empire Strikes Back
GUNDARK (R)
GUNDARK (Marvels)

- "Scruffy-looking Nerfherder" is a saying (probably) mostly used by Alderaanian people meaning somebody is looking unclean. The word Nerfherder is an insult for Alderaanian nobility. That's because Nerfherders often live a life without the modern commodities of hygiene. (1)
Source: The Empire Strikes Back

- That's not the only insult that uses the nerf. When somebody is called the 'Black Nerf' it means he / she has a disreputable name.
Source: Official Databank (E-3PO Entry)

- Another phrase using the Nerf is 'Nerf and Wookiee Show', an equivelent to any type of presentation or display that is somewhat pathetically contrived or overly intricate.
Source: Traitor

- 'Nerf Bait' was spacer's slang for any form of phony lock or security system installed on a starship, which was booby-trapped by the owner in order to catch shipjackers.
Source: Star Wars Adventure Journal

Nerfs were common herbivores on Alderaan bred for their milk, their hides and their delicious meat. Luckily Nerfs survive on many planets and after the destruction of Alderaan, they continued to live on many different planets.
NERFS

- Chuba face: Was an insult that was certainly used thousands of years ago.
Source: KOTOR

- Duck: 'Even a duck must learn how to swim' was an expression used by Ben Kenobi when he first met Luke Skywalker in his Tatooine hovel.
Source: SW Novelisation

- The Mynock, popular silicon based life form found in outer space, is also often present in phrases and sayings. 'Mynock muffins!' means 'a lot of lies'. Other sayings including Mynocks regularly have a negative meaning.
Source: Lando Calrissian trilogy
MYNOCK

- The Peko Peko is a bird with a strong beak, native to Naboo. They are known to be excellent mimics, using its well-developed vocal apparatus to lure its prey closer. The Gungan people have a saying that goes, "If you see two Peko Peko together, it is a good omen."
Source: SW Databank
PEKO PEKO

- The Chuba or Gorg is an amphibian found on Tatooine and often serves as food. But 'Chuba' also means 'you' or 'hey you' in Huttese.
Source: The Phantom Menace
Gragra selling CHUBAS

- Ducks are enigmatic waterfowls from worlds scattered across the galaxy. They are often referred to in a number of colorful expressions. During Queen Amidala's escape from Naboo, Captain Panaka was heard to lament the likelihood of their being hit by Trade Federation cannonades. He likened their position to being "sitting ducks."
Source: The Phantom Menace / Official Databank

- The Schutta is a weasel-like creature from the Twi'lek homeplanet of Ryloth. In fact 'Schutta' is also a Twi'lek insult, reserved for beings of poor reputation.
Source: Jedi Quest

- The Yunax is a species of avian known for its aimless flights. A common phrase used to describe a misguided endeavor was as a "wild yunax chase."
Source: Hero's trail

- The Cy'een is a deep-sea creature native to Chad III, the homeplanet of the Chadra-fan. Many people on the planet made their living moving with the herds of the huge, long-necked cy'een, harvesting the plants and smaller fish for food. Unlike most other creatures of the planet, the cy'een are infinitely wild and untamable. The phrase "Riding the cy'een" became a local expression for any challenging or dangerous task.
Source: Star Wars Adventure Journal

- The Bruallki is a creature known for its tasty, edible meat, which was often grilled or broiled for maximum flavor. It was often served with Menkooro whiskey, which was considered the perfect drink to have with bruallki. According to an old saying, "If you had some bruallki, you could have bruallki and Menkooro... if you had some Menkooro."
Source: Heir to the Empire

Note: In this chapter I have used some pure EU sources. The facts that came from these EU sources have no direct influence on the SW universe conceived by George Lucas and do not alter the chronology of Lucas' stories. Therefor, there is no reason why they shouldn't be included this time

(1) Nerfherder is also the name of a band. They are known for the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' theme

Next Time: Chapter 3