www.alphadictionary.com

Just in from the wire:

A kinkajou (described as "a razor-toothed, racoon-like creature" in the less-than-reliable media) has apparently bitten hotel heiress and media whatever, Paris Hilton. While my heart goes out to the kinkajou (I mean, who knows where she's been?), my sympathies, of course, extend to the hotel heiress and media whatever. Somewhat. Though why anyone would be fooling around with a razor-toothed, racoon-like creature in the first place is beyond me. My guess is that they'll send the little rodent to rodent heaven. I know I would. If that happens, and if Paris is lonely, I can send her a razor-toothed real-racoon creature anytime. Vicious little buggers, they'd be happy to bite anyone that angers them off. No charge.

So where does the name "kinkajou" come from? Is it indiginous to Central/South America, whence my hero hails? Or is this some European overlay? Enquiring minds simply want to know.

The other good news is that "its saliva contains a harmful, species-specific bacteria." Hopefully not specific to media heiresses and media whatevers. But if it is, it'd bring a whole new meaning to the concept of celebrity spotting.

-- PW

So where does the name "kinkajou" come from? Is it indiginous to Central/South America, whence my hero hails? Or is this some European overlay? Enquiring minds simply want to know.

An arboreal mammal (Potos flavus) of Central and South America, having brownish fur and a long, prehensile tail. Also called honey bear.
ETYMOLOGY:French quincajou, wolverine, probably blend of Ojibwa gwiingwa'aage and Montagnais kuàkuàtsheu.
AHD

Here is a picture (of the kinkajou immediately after having bitten Paris Hilton).

Maybe she had kinkajou confused with Pikachu . . .