gorilla
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gorilla
The largest living species of great ape, native to the forests of Central Africa.
Im Zoo saß der alte Gorilla-Silberrücken nachdenklich in seinem Gehege.
At the zoo, the old silverback gorilla sat thoughtfully in his enclosure.
heavy / gorilla
A colloquial, often derogatory term for a large, muscular, and intimidating man who often works as a bodyguard or bouncer.
Der Minister wurde von zwei grimmig dreinblickenden Gorillas begleitet.
The minister was accompanied by two grim-looking heavies.
Context tells you whether the animal or a person is meant. Words like 'Zoo' (zoo), 'Dschungel' (jungle), or 'Silberrücken' (silverback) point to the animal. Terms like 'Leibwächter' (bodyguard), 'Türsteher' (bouncer), or 'muskulös' (muscular) point to the colloquial meaning for a person.
Wir haben gestern im Zoo einen riesigen Gorilla gesehen.
Yesterday we saw a huge gorilla at the zoo.
Calling a person 'Gorilla' (gorilla/heavy) is purely colloquial. It is often meant in a derogatory or negative way and describes a person who seems intimidating mainly because of their physical strength.
Vor der Disco standen zwei Gorillas und kontrollierten den Eingang.
There were two heavies standing in front of the club, checking the entrance.
In connection with gorillas as animals, you often hear the word 'der Silberrücken' (the silverback). This is the specific term for an old, dominant male with silver-gray fur on its back.
Der Silberrücken ist der Anführer der Gorilla-Gruppe.
The silverback is the leader of the gorilla group.
