Duck vs. Canard — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Ducks are a broad category of waterfowl with broad bodies and flat bills, while "canard" typically refers to false or misleading information or, in aviation, a small forward wing.
Difference Between Duck and Canard
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ducks encompass a variety of species within the Anatidae family, known for their aquatic habitats and distinctive waddling gait. In contrast, the term "canard" is often used metaphorically in journalism to describe a rumor or unfounded story.
While ducks are recognized for their roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of aquatic environments, canards can influence public perception and information flow, often leading to misinformation.
Ducks exhibit diverse breeding behaviors and are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, adapting to various climates worldwide. On the other hand, canards, in the context of aircraft design, are used to improve aircraft control and stability.
In culinary contexts, ducks are valued for their meat and eggs, featured prominently in various cuisines around the world. Conversely, the term "canard" does not relate to food but can leave a metaphorical 'bad taste' if the misinformation significantly impacts public discourse.
While ducks have a significant cultural impact, symbolizing tranquility and nature in many cultures, canards, particularly in media, highlight the complexities and responsibilities of information dissemination in modern society.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A waterbird with webbed feet and a broad bill.
False report or rumor; or a small forward wing on some aircraft.
Usage in Context
Zoology, ornithology, cuisine.
Journalism, aviation.
Contribution
Ecological balance, food source.
Influences perception, aircraft design.
Symbolism
Nature, peace, fertility.
Misinformation, innovation in design.
Predominant Locations
Lakes, rivers, marshes worldwide.
Media outlets, aerospace industry.
Compare with Definitions
Duck
A waterfowl species known for its waddling walk and quacking sound.
The duck quacked loudly as it waddled along the riverbank.
Canard
Can impact public opinion and discourse significantly.
That political canard swayed public opinion during the elections.
Duck
Ducks molt their feathers periodically for flight efficiency.
The park's ducks are molting, leaving feathers all around.
Canard
In aviation, a small forward wing placed ahead of the main wing.
The experimental aircraft features a canard for enhanced stability.
Duck
Often domesticated for its meat and eggs in farming.
He raises ducks on his farm primarily for selling their eggs.
Canard
A false or unfounded report or story.
The newspaper apologized for the canard it inadvertently published.
Duck
Symbolizes tranquility in many cultures.
The serene pond was adorned with ducks, enhancing its peaceful ambiance.
Canard
Originates from the French word for "duck", ironically.
The term canard amusingly comes from the same word for ducks in French.
Duck
Found in both freshwater and marine environments.
We spotted several ducks diving for food in the coastal bay.
Canard
Used metaphorically to describe misleading information.
His statement was a canard that misled many during the debate.
Duck
Duck is the common name for numerous species of waterfowl in the family Anatidae. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than swans and geese, which are also members of the same family.
Canard
An unfounded or false, deliberately misleading story.
Duck
A waterbird with a broad blunt bill, short legs, webbed feet, and a waddling gait.
Canard
A short winglike control surface projecting from the fuselage of an aircraft, such as a space shuttle, mounted forward of the main wing and serving as a horizontal stabilizer.
Duck
A pure white thin-shelled bivalve mollusc found off the Atlantic coasts of America.
Canard
An aircraft whose horizontal stabilizing surfaces are forward of the main wing.
Duck
An amphibious transport vehicle
Visitors can board an amphibious duck to explore the city
Canard
A false or misleading report or story, especially if deliberately so.
Duck
A quick lowering of the head.
Canard
(aviation) A type of aircraft in which the primary horizontal control and stabilization surfaces are in front of the main wing.
Duck
Dear; darling (used as an informal or affectionate form of address, especially among cockneys)
Where've yer been, ducks!
It's time you changed, my duck
Canard
A horizontal control and stabilization surface located in front of the main wing of an aircraft.
Duck
A strong linen or cotton fabric, used chiefly for work clothes and sails
Cotton duck
Canard
Any small winglike structure on a vehicle, usually used for stabilization.
Duck
A batsman's score of nought
He was out for a duck
Canard
An extravagant or absurd report or story; a fabricated sensational report or statement; esp. one set afloat in the newspapers to hoax the public.
Duck
Lower the head or the body quickly to avoid a blow or missile or so as not to be seen
Spectators ducked for cover
He ducked his head and entered
Canard
A deliberately misleading fabrication
Duck
Push or plunge (someone) under water, either playfully or as a punishment
Rufus grabbed him from behind to duck him under the surface
Duck
Refrain from playing a winning card on a particular trick for tactical reasons
Declarer ducked the opening spade lead
Duck
Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet.
Duck
A female duck.
Duck
The flesh of a duck used as food.
Duck
(Slang) A person, especially one thought of as peculiar.
Duck
Often ducks (used with a sing. verb) Chiefly British A dear.
Duck
A quick lowering of the head or body.
Duck
A plunge under water.
Duck
A durable, closely woven heavy cotton or linen fabric.
Duck
Ducks Clothing made of duck, especially white pants.
Duck
An amphibious military truck used during World War II.
Duck
A similar vehicle used for civilian purposes, as to evacuate flood victims or for sightseeing tours. In both senses also called DUKW.
Duck
To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something
Ducked his head as the ball came toward him.
Duck
To evade; dodge
Duck responsibility.
Ducked the reporter's question.
Duck
To push (a person, for example) suddenly under water.
Duck
In bridge, to deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card).
Duck
To lower the head or body.
Duck
To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen
Ducked behind a bush.
Duck
To submerge the head or body briefly in water.
Duck
To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out
Duck out on one's family.
Duck
In bridge, to lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent.
Duck
(intransitive) To quickly lower the head or body, often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Duck! There's a branch falling off the tree!
Duck
(transitive) To quickly lower (the head or body), often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Duck
(transitive) To lower (something) into water; to thrust or plunge under liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Duck
(intransitive) To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to plunge one's head into water or other liquid.
Duck
(intransitive) To bow.
Duck
(transitive) To evade doing something.
Duck
(transitive) To lower the volume of (a sound) so that other sounds in the mix can be heard more clearly.
Duck
(intransitive) To enter a place for a short moment.
I'm just going to duck into the loo for a minute, can you hold my bag?
Duck
(caving) A cave passage containing water with low, or no, airspace.
Duck
An aquatic bird of the family Anatidae, having a flat bill and webbed feet.
Duck
(uncountable) The flesh of a duck used as food.
Duck
(cricket) A batsman's score of zero after getting out. (short for duck's egg, since the digit "0" is round like an egg.)
Duck
(slang) A playing card with the rank of two.
Duck
A building intentionally constructed in the shape of an everyday object to which it is related.
A luncheonette in the shape of a coffee cup is particularly conspicuous, as is intended of an architectural duck or folly.
Duck
A marble to be shot at with another marble (the shooter) in children's games.
Duck
(US) A cairn used to mark a trail.
Duck
One of the weights used to hold a spline in place for the purpose of drawing a curve.
Duck
Synonym of lame duck
Duck
(medicine) A long-necked medical urinal for men.
Duck
A faggot; a meatball made from offal.
Duck
A tightly-woven cotton fabric used as sailcloth.
Duck
(in plural) Trousers made of such material.
Duck
A term of endearment; pet; darling.
Duck
(Midlands) Dear, mate (informal way of addressing a friend or stranger).
Ay up duck, ow'a'tha?
Duck
A pet; a darling.
Duck
A linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric, finer and lighter than canvas, - used for the lighter sails of vessels, the sacking of beds, and sometimes for men's clothing.
Duck
The light clothes worn by sailors in hot climates.
Duck
Any bird of the subfamily Anatinæ, family Anatidæ.
Duck
A sudden inclination of the bead or dropping of the person, resembling the motion of a duck in water.
Here be, without duck or nod,Other trippings to be trod.
Duck
To thrust or plunge under water or other liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Adams, after ducking the squire twice or thrice, leaped out of the tub.
Duck
To plunge the head of under water, immediately withdrawing it; as, duck the boy.
Duck
To bow; to bob down; to move quickly with a downward motion.
Duck
To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to dive; to plunge the head in water or other liquid; to dip.
In Tiber ducking thrice by break of day.
Duck
To drop the head or person suddenly; to bow.
The learned pateDucks to the golden fool.
Duck
Small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
Duck
(cricket) a score of nothing by a batsman
Duck
Flesh of a duck (domestic or wild)
Duck
A heavy cotton fabric of plain weave; used for clothing and tents
Duck
To move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away;
Before he could duck, another stone struck him
Duck
Submerge or plunge suddenly
Duck
Dip into a liquid;
He dipped into the pool
Duck
Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues);
He dodged the issue
She skirted the problem
They tend to evade their responsibilities
He evaded the questions skillfully
Common Curiosities
How does a canard affect an aircraft’s performance?
It reduces stall speed and enhances control at high angles of attack.
What are some popular dishes made from duck?
Popular duck dishes include Peking duck, duck confit, and roasted duck.
How does the term "canard" relate to journalism?
In journalism, "canard" refers to a fabricated story or hoax.
How are ducks depicted in culture?
Ducks are often symbols of peace and nature in various cultural depictions.
What are common habitats for ducks?
Ducks commonly inhabit wetlands, lakes, and rivers worldwide.
Are ducks migratory?
Many duck species migrate seasonally between breeding and wintering grounds.
How do canards influence aircraft maneuverability?
Canards allow for sharper turns and better handling at lower speeds.
What is the purpose of a canard in aviation?
A canard in aviation is designed to improve flight stability and control.
What are the ecological roles of ducks?
Ducks help control aquatic vegetation and insect populations and serve as prey for larger predators.
Can canards on aircraft be retrofitted?
Yes, some aircraft can be modified to include canards for better aerodynamic performance.
What type of duck is commonly domesticated for food?
The Pekin duck is widely raised for meat and egg production.
How do journalists verify the information to avoid spreading canards?
Journalists typically verify information through multiple sources and fact-checking.
What adaptations do ducks have for their aquatic environment?
Ducks have webbed feet for swimming and waterproof feathers.
Why is misinformation often called a "canard"?
Because it spreads as easily and swiftly as wild rumors once did, akin to wild ducks spreading quickly across water.
Are there any legal repercussions for intentionally spreading canards?
Yes, there can be legal consequences for spreading false information, especially if it causes harm or panic.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
