shedoesnotcomprehend:

The propriety of correct classification was impressed on me during my examination. I inadvertently spoke of it [an opossum] as “a singular creature;” but creature, or rather “critter,” is much too honourable a term for such an animal, being appropriated to cattle. The overseer promptly corrected my mistake. “A ‘Possum, Sir, is not a critter, but a varmint.”

– Philip Henre Gosse, Letters from Alabama