What does jayhawk mean?

Answer 1

Jayhawk is a mythical bird, a combination of a Blue Jay and a Sparrow Hawk. Although the origins are not clear, it was first known to be used by a wagon train heading west through Kansas. During the "Bleeding Kansas" days the Jayhawk became the name for vigilantes / freedom fighters working to make Kansas a free state. When the civil war broke out the first regiment of calvary created by Kansas was known as the Jayhawks. Later the term Jayhawk referred to people in the state. When the University of Kansas was created, they chose the name Jayhawk as their mascot. Today a Jayhawk is commonly used to refer to a student, alumni or fan of the University of Kansas.