Serpent or Snake?


Both are the same but SNAKE is more commonly used, perhaps because of the fact that this word is originally taken from Old German whereas SERPENT was taken from French. For some reason, English speakers in general seem to show more affinity for those words that originally come from Old German. In the past SERPENT was more commonly used and in fact when these animals have legendary characteristics are usually referred to as SERPENTS and not SNAKES. 
Here are some names of snakes in English and Spanish:
Anaconda (same name in both languages)
Black Mamba - Mamba Negra
Boa Constrictor (same name in both languages)
King Cobra - Cobra Real
Diamondback Rattlesnake - Serpiente Cascabel

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