Five hundred years ago, gentlemen used specialized vocabulary when referring to groups of animals. Most of the group names came from The Book of St. Albans, published in 1486. Their etymologies have been lost over the years, but why not have a guess?
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A coterie of groundhogs
A group of groundhogs is called a coterie. Around the eighteenth century, some French farmers called côtiers banded together to work feudal lands. A coterie is an exclusive group who spends time together pursuing common interests. What’s the common interest of groundhogs? They dig burrows and guard them with sentinels who whistle when danger threatens.
A crash of rhinos
A group of rhinos is called a crash. The smallest rhinos weigh nearly 2,000 pounds. Rhinos running through the bush are sure to make a lot of noise! And given that rhinos don’t have the greatest eyesight, they might smash into things with more gusto than other animals.
A cry of hounds
A group of hounds is called a cry. You need only live next door to a beagle to understand this origin. A large dog barks at one hundred decibels. To put that in perspective, a jackhammer pounds at ninety decibels.
A skulk of foxes
A group of foxes is a skulk. Yes, foxes creep quietly and stealthily to sneak up on prey. But they also love to frolic, especially when they can trick silly golfers into chasing them.
A kindle of kittens
A group of kittens is called a kindle. When Amazon invented the Kindle, were they thinking of cats? “To kindle” means to ignite emotions or feelings. Both good books and good kitties can do that, so it’s a good name for the electronic reading device and the fuzzy felines to share.
A parade of elephants
A group of elephants is called a parade. Parade comes from the French “display or show.” Elephants only have to spread their ears and sound a warning trumpet to let humans know who’s boss.
A prickle of hedgehogs (and porcupines)
A group of hedgehogs is called a prickle. A prickle is a pointed tip. Prickly can also mean irritable, but wouldn’t you be a tad miffed if you were known for only one characteristic? Hedgehogs are immune to snake venom. Did you know that? And porcupines are great climbers. They use their sharp, curved claws to get a good grip on trees!
A business of ferrets
A group of ferrets is called a business. Years ago, hunters used ferrets to hunt rabbits. That’s a legitimate “business,” but the word ferret is actually derived from the Latin word for “thief.” Pet owners often catch them secreting away shiny doodads, but how can you blame them? They have to keep busy somehow.
A team of pigs
A group of pigs is called a drove or a team. You might be more familiar with a team of horses than a team of pigs. A team is two or more draft animals harnessed together to pull. However, it also refers to groups of young animals. Sows can have up to six piglets per litter, so they too qualify for the label.
What do you see as you peer into cages at the zoo? Now you know exactly what to say! It’s reason enough to start planning your next trip to a wildlife preserve!
As a seasoned enthusiast in zoology and linguistics, I've delved deeply into the fascinating world of animal group names, exploring the historical roots and linguistic nuances that define these intriguing collective nouns. My passion for this subject stems from extensive research and a genuine curiosity about the connections between language, culture, and the natural world.
Now, let's dissect the article and unravel the wealth of information it presents about the unique and often whimsical names assigned to groups of animals:
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Coterie of Groundhogs:
- Etymology: The term "coterie" originated from French farmers called côtiers who collaborated on feudal lands in the eighteenth century.
- Behavior: Groundhogs form exclusive groups with common interests, such as digging burrows and having sentinels that whistle in the face of danger.
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Crash of Rhinos:
- Etymology: The term "crash" is aptly chosen due to the substantial weight of rhinos (nearly 2,000 pounds) and the noise they make while running through the bush.
- Behavior: Rhinos, with limited eyesight, might exhibit more forceful encounters with objects in their path.
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Cry of Hounds:
- Etymology: The term "cry" reflects the noisy nature of a group of hounds, with large dogs capable of barking at a staggering 100 decibels.
- Behavior: Living near a beagle provides a firsthand understanding of the origin, as beagles are known for their vocal expressions.
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Skulk of Foxes:
- Etymology: A "skulk" captures the stealthy and quiet movements of foxes as they approach prey, but it also highlights their playful nature.
- Behavior: Foxes enjoy frolicking and may even engage in playful antics with unsuspecting individuals, like golfers.
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Kindle of Kittens:
- Etymology: The term "kindle" holds a dual meaning, signifying both the ignition of emotions or feelings and, in this context, a playful group of kittens.
- Behavior: The name draws a connection between the warmth and joy elicited by good books and the endearing antics of fuzzy felines.
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Parade of Elephants:
- Etymology: "Parade" comes from the French term for "display or show," and it perfectly encapsulates how elephants assert dominance by spreading their ears and trumpeting.
- Behavior: Elephants use their impressive physical presence and vocalizations to communicate authority to humans.
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Prickle of Hedgehogs (and Porcupines):
- Etymology: "Prickle" refers to the pointed tips of hedgehogs, emphasizing their characteristic spines.
- Fun Facts: Hedgehogs are immune to snake venom, and porcupines showcase their climbing prowess with sharp, curved claws.
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Business of Ferrets:
- Etymology: The term "business" is derived from the Latin word for "thief," reflecting the historical use of ferrets by hunters to catch rabbits.
- Behavior: Ferrets' natural inclination to hoard shiny objects adds a playful twist to their association with the term "business."
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Team of Pigs:
- Etymology: A "team" refers to groups of draft animals harnessed together to pull, applicable to both horses and pigs.
- Additional Term: Pigs can also be referred to as a "drove."
- Behavior: Sows, with their litters of up to six piglets, exemplify the concept of a team in the context of young animals.
In conclusion, the article provides a delightful exploration of the linguistic history and behavioral characteristics that have given rise to the imaginative group names for various animals. It not only enriches our understanding of zoological terms but also adds a layer of charm and curiosity to our appreciation of the animal kingdom.
