The guinea pig, also known as the cavy, is a small domesticated rodent that is often kept as a popular pet. Guinea pigs are native to South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years. They have a compact body with short legs, rounded ears, and no visible tail. Guinea pigs have a variety of coat colors and patterns, and they typically have dense fur that can be short or long, depending on the breed. They have large, expressive eyes and a rounded head with a distinctive snout. Guinea pigs are social animals that are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them popular as pets, especially for children. They are herbivores and primarily eat hay, fresh vegetables, and a specially formulated guinea pig pellet diet.
- He cleaned the guinea pig’s cage every week.
- Children love to cuddle and pet their guinea pigs, enjoying their gentle and sociable demeanor.
- Guinea pigs are herbivores, enjoying a diet of fresh vegetables, hay, and pellets.
- Pet owners provide spacious enclosures with hiding spots and toys to keep guinea pigs entertained and stimulated.
- The guinea pig squeaked softly as it nibbled on a piece of lettuce in its cage.
The idiom "guinea pig" has its origins in the early 17th century when guinea pigs were first introduced to Europe. These small rodents are not native to Guinea but were imported to Europe via Guinea, a region in West Africa. The exact reason for the association with Guinea remains unclear, but it is believed that European traders may have used the term "Guinea" to refer to any distant or exotic place. Guinea pigs were considered exotic animals when they were first brought to Europe, and the name likely reflects their foreign origin. In modern English, "guinea pig" is used metaphorically to refer to a person or creature used in experiments, tests, or trials to gather information or conduct research, often at some risk to their well-being.
- The new drug is still in its testing phase, and they need volunteers to be guinea pigs for the clinical trials.
- She felt like a guinea pig when her company implemented a new management system without warning.
- Using students as guinea pigs for educational experiments without their consent is unethical.
- They turned their backyard into a guinea pig sanctuary, adopting animals that had been used in laboratory experiments.
- The restaurant decided to make its customers guinea pigs by offering a new experimental menu item.