General
whistle pig
What does whistle pig mean?
An Appalachian nickname for the groundhog, named for the shrill whistle it gives as an alarm.
"A whistle pig's been digging under the shed again."
Origin
Southern Appalachian coinage dating to the 1800s, from the animal's warning whistle; recorded by DARE.
Frequently asked questions
What is a whistle pig?
It's an Appalachian nickname for the groundhog, also called a woodchuck.
Why is a groundhog called a whistle pig?
The name comes from the sharp, shrill whistle the animal makes as an alarm call.
Where is the term whistle pig used?
Chiefly in Southern Appalachia, where it dates back to the 1800s.
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