Why The Name Guinea PIG?

[runt18]

I have also wondered why guinea pigs are called guinea PIGS! because to me they are nothing like Pigs (Only that they eat alot as much as pigs) ?

Have you ever wondered this or is it just me ?

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

I think it is something to do with the 'grunting' noises they make!

 

[Fudge and Rainbow :)]

Well they used to be called pigs and people used to pay for them with a Guinea, they used to say "I'll give you a guinea for a pig" So that's how the name stuck. But unfortunately, at that time, they weren't bought for pets but for something else! I think you've probably guessed.

 

[Hoggle*&*Ludo]

They are funny creatures and suit their names! |)

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

From my understanding, the name ‘pig’ is believed to have derived from one of two sources. Firstly, it is believed that cavies were originally referred to as guinea ‘pigs’ due to their ‘squeaks and squeals’ (as rightly said by Sophie W). However, many people - as am I - are inclined to believe the name ‘pig’ was first adopted due to the fact that ‘European pigs were often kept in much the same way: allowed to wander about the homestead, eating scraps until they were fat enough to eat’.

On the other hand, the origins of the name 'guinea' is likely to remain a mystery, since numerous suggestions have been made.

 

[teadragon]

Because of how much they eat

 

[daleksarah]

because they live like pigs my boys have thrown their food bowl so their cage is in a disgusting mess!

 

[Briony_S]

they sound like pigs at veggie time all that squeeling