A is for alligator.

Etymology – word of the day.

A is for alligator.  (The etymology of the word ‘alligator’)

Alligator

1560s, lagarto, modern form attested from 1620s, a corruption of Sp. el lagarto (de Indias) “the lizard (of the Indies),” from L. lacertus (see lizard). Alligarter was an early variant. The slang meaning “non-playing devotee of swing music” is attested from 1936; the phrase see you later, alligator is from a 1957 song title.

From the Online Etymology Dictionary

Or as they say today L8tr Allig8tr.

Informative links:

Crocodiles – http://www.thebigzoo.com/Animals/American_Alligator.asp

Mississippi alligator –  http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_amis.htm