Cahuy

/kəˈhuːi/ noun

Definition

A large South American rodent also called the paca, valued for its meat and hide.

Etymology

From indigenous Tupi-Guarani languages of Brazil and surrounding regions, specifically related to 'paca.' The term was adopted by early Portuguese and Spanish colonists to identify this important game animal.

Kelly Says

The cahuy (paca) is one of the few rodents humans actually farm for food—they're gentle, vegetarian, and in South America they're considered a delicacy, making them an exception to how most cultures view rodents!

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