Whistle Pig
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "whistle pig" is a groundhog (woodchuck). The nickname comes from the sharp whistle the animal makes to warn others of danger.
#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Animals #Nature #OldTimers #FarmTalk
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I didn't hear 'whistle pig' growin' up, but you can hear it out in the country, mainly from old timers. But it's regional. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I didn't hear 'whistle pig' growin' up, but you can hear it out in the country, mainly from old timers. But it's regional. Pronunciation
[WISS-ul PIG]
Meaning & Usage
- A groundhog / woodchuck (noun)
Mae:
What’s been digging under the shed?
What’s been digging under the shed?
Earl:
Looks like a whistle pig to me.
Looks like a whistle pig to me.variations: groundhog, woodchuck, marmot
★ "Whistle pig" is an authentic Appalachian nickname for the groundhog. The animal gives a shrill whistle as a warning, which earned it the name. ★
Origin and Etymology
Noted in Appalachian dialect studies, the term "whistle pig" dates back to the 19th century in the Southern Appalachians, passed down through generations of hunters and farmers.
Usage Notes
Still widely heard in Appalachia and surrounding regions. Outside the South people usually call it a groundhog or woodchuck, but "whistle pig" is instantly recognizable to locals.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "whiss-ul pig." In rural speech the "t" in "whistle" often softens or drops.
Kin Topics
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How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 20). Whistle Pig. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whistle-pig
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Whistle Pig." HillbillySlang.com, 20 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whistle-pig.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Whistle Pig." HillbillySlang.com. September 20, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/whistle-pig.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...