Asking this question in strict propriety out of genuine curiosity, why is that in (American) English animal-related names are used for vulgar names for the private body parts? In fact, all of the examples I can think of, at least one vulgar term for each body seems to come from an animal. I am sure there are exceptions but even then, why are they so common? What is this fascination with having animal names as "dirty" words, i.e.
- Cock – A rooster
- Pussy – A cat
- Tits – A small bird
- Ass – A donkey – okay I see this so this can be taken out.
Is this only in America or does it happen in other parts of the English-speaking world as well?
Best Answer
In all these cases there is no link to the animal
The body part is probably from cock to mean raise up, as in "cocking a gun". The bird is old English/Scandanavia
The body part is much older from Scandanavian/OE word for a pocket or bag. The cat is newer and probably just a childish onomatopoeia for soft/furry
The body part is from teats and the French Teton. The bird is from Scandanavian for any small animal, cf Titmouse
There is no conection between the words, The body part is OE ærs, Assa is latin . See Why are the "donkey" and the "butt" both named "ass"?