And then there’s Pig Latin!

Some of us are familiar with a nonconventional language that alters English words, and we call it Latin, the language of the Pope and the government of the Roman Catholic Church.

Yes, I’m talking about Pig Latin, an acceptable misnomer or inappropriate language designation. They could’ve named it Pig English because, if anything, this was the most fitting description. But no one wanted to call it Pig English since it’s supposed to be a foreign language. And Latin sounds so prestigious, ancient, and majestic.

Ta-da! Pig Latin it is!

Would you understand these words if they came out of my mouth? Oday ouyay peaksay igpay atinlay?

This is gibberish to those who don’t understand or speak Pig Latin. But to those who do, the English translation is ‘Do you speak Pig Latin?’

We all know that Pig Latin isn’t a bonified language. It may be a little iggishpay (piggish), but there’s no Latin involved.

So, what if it’s not onifiedbay? That’s bonified in English.

Pig Latin is a great code language for adults when they don’t want the little ones to know what they’re talking about. It is also a language code and game that kids can learn and enjoy.

I can’t say that I have ever spoken Pig Latin. When my kids were young, my husband and I spelled words backward to disguise what we were talking about. But Pig Latin looks interesting and fun, and it may be easier than spelling words backward.

For those like me who never learned it and others who may need a refresher, there are two rules to follow in forming the words.

The rules are pretty simple.

For words that start with a consonant (s), move the letter or cluster of consonants to the end of the word and add “ay.” For example, Betty becomes Ettybay and movie becomes oviemay.

If the word begins with a vowel, add “ay” to the end of the word.

There are online Pig Latin translators where one can translate English to Pig Latin.

Did you know there are a few Pig Latin words in some dictionaries? These words include Ixnay( Pig Latin for nix), Amscray (Pig Latin for scram), and Upidstay (Pig Latin for stupid).

There is also a Pig Latin song, Pig Latin Love or Igpay Atinlay Ovelay?

Some historians believe versions of Pig Latin, sometimes also referred to as Dog Latin existed before Shakespeare.

Avehay omesay unfay with Pig Latin!

Be safe (Ebay afesay).