Pig Latin

Pig Latin is not a real language. It is a silly word game kids play in English. You change the way words sound by moving letters around. People use Pig Latin to have fun or to talk in secret. It has been popular for more than 100 years.

The Rules

Pig Latin has simple rules. For words that start with a consonant, you move the first letter to the end. Then you add 'ay.' So 'pig' becomes 'ig-pay' and 'dog' becomes 'og-day.' For words that start with a vowel, you just add 'way' or 'yay' at the end. So 'apple' becomes 'apple-way.'

Why Kids Love It

Kids like Pig Latin because it sounds funny. It also feels like a secret code. Once you know the rules, you can talk to friends without grown-ups understanding. Pig Latin has nothing to do with the real Latin language. The name is just a joke.

Fun Facts

• The word 'Pig Latin' in Pig Latin is 'ig-pay atin-Lay.'
• Kids in the 1800s already played Pig Latin games.
• Some cartoons and movies use Pig Latin for laughs.

Did You Know?

Pig Latin is not the only word game like this. Kids in other countries have their own fun word games that mix up letters.