Do crocodiles really cry without meaning it? Most do, and that’s where the phrase and expression “Crocodile Tears” came from.
Saltwater crocodiles shed tears often, and sea turtles and a number of seagoing birds do the same.
It’s how they’ve adapted to drinking briny sea water, they shed the salt through their tear ducts, which desalinate the water they’ve slurped down.
This is why we say crocodile tears are a false or fake display of emotion like when a hypocrite is crying fake tears of grief.
The expression also has its origins from an ancient English tale that says crocodiles weep in order to lure their prey, or that they cry for the victims they are eating.
The anecdote originated from the stories of the travels of Sir John Mandeville in the 14th century.
Reptiles and amphibians have freaked people out since the dawn of time. For example, the poor snake has been maligned since that whole Eve and-the-fruit incident.
It’s patently unfair. And take frogs and toads. Most people won’t touch ’em, but do they really cause warts?
All in all, reptiles and amphibians may be slimy, scaly and ornery, but they’re really cuddly on the inside.
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