Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris Are pets called 'pets' because we pet them? | PET WORDS
Oct 29, 2025
They dig into the origins of words for dogs, cats, rodents, birds, reptiles and more. They trace pet, puppy, kitten, guinea pig, chinchilla and gerbil back to surprising languages. Breed names and unusual pet histories get playful treatment. Famous people and their odd companions crop up alongside etymologies and naming quirks.
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Salamander Named After Fire Myths
- Salamander etymology links to 'inside flame' from Persian origins and medieval association with fire because they were found in rotting logs and thought to emerge from flames.
- Heraldic salamanders resembled dragons and were tied to fire myths.
Hamster Name Means One Who Tramples
- Hamster traces from Old High German hamustra to Russian komestor and an Iranian root meaning 'one who tramples', reflecting pest behavior trampling crops.
- German coined hamsterkauf during the pandemic meaning to hoard supplies.
Guinea Pig Name Is Misleading
- Guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor a pig; 'Guinea' often meant a generic exotic overseas place and could reference guinea hogs or goods from slave ships.
- The name reflects European traders' labeling rather than true origin.