The Many Names of the Mighty Piggy Bank: Exploring Global Synonyms and Origins
When we think of saving our spare change as kids—and maybe even as adults—one iconic image immediately comes to mind: a plump, ceramic little pig with a slot on its back. But have you ever wondered why we call it a “piggy bank” in the first place, or what people in other parts of the world call this trusty little savings companion?
While “piggy bank” is the most common term in English, this classic coin holder goes by a surprising variety of names, ranging from linguistic accidents to deeply rooted cultural traditions.
The Linguistic Mystery: Why a Pig?
Before looking at other names, it is fascinating to understand how the word “piggy” became attached to a money container. Ironically, the animal had very little to do with it originally!
Centuries ago in England, household jars and pots used to store money were made from an affordable, dense orange clay known as pygg. Over time, as the English language evolved, the word pygg began to sound identical to pig.
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