An archaic or dialectal term for a rabbit; also historically used as a term in folk speech.
From Middle English 'cony,' which came from Old French 'conin,' from Latin 'cuniculus' (rabbit). The word is quite ancient and appears in medieval hunting literature, though some variants developed vulgar secondary meanings over time.
In medieval hunting texts, cunny appears constantly—it was one of the most hunted animals and provided both fur and meat. The word 'coney island' actually comes from the Dutch 'Konijn Eiland' (rabbit island), named for its abundant rabbits!
Middle English term for vulva (from Anglo-Norman conie); became vulgar slang by Early Modern period. The shift from anatomical descriptor to vulgarism reflects historical male dominance of sexual language and medicalization of female bodies.
Avoid as vulgar slur; use 'vulva' for anatomical clarity or 'vulva-owning person' for inclusive reference to people.
["vulva","vulva-owning person"]
Women reclaimed vulva-positive language through feminist movements; contemporary preference for 'vulva' centers anatomical accuracy and non-derogatory self-reference.
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