Why are roosters called roosters?

Date sort Score sort
gamefowl-layers

gamefowl-layers

In the Brooder
Jan 12, 2016
84
6
41
Littlerock California
Every time I type this on google, I get responses like "rooster is a male while chicken is a female" that's not what I mean at all. My question is why "rooster"?

I'm asking because today I just noticed that every time a chicken wants to lay an egg, the rooster is always in the nesting box. I used to find it funny honestly, but is this the reason they are called roosters? Because they roost before chickens lay eggs? ALL my roosters do this and I just realized this May be a reason.

Please if you know, can you let me know? Or send a link to where it explains? Thanks
 
From Dictionary.com:

1772, from roost (earlier roost c**k, 1606), in sense of "the roosting bird," favored in the U.S. as a puritan alternative to c**k (and compare roach).

(Edited to make the filters happy)
 
Last edited:
I've actually wondered that before as well, mostly because hens roost too, so why wouldn't they ALL be called roosters?
wink.png
Anyway, it's interesting to see the etymology.
 
I think it has something to do with roosters playing a large role in roost site selection and they make it easier for keeper to find roosting flock.


Testing big brother, cock.
 
I was raised being told it was because the male rounds everyone up at night and makes sure they're all on the roost at bedtime. Rooster was apparently easier to say then Bedtime Policeman
smile.png


And I do think it's funny we can use the correct term for a male bird, a cock, but we can't use the correct term for a female dog, a *****. But, the site is family friendly and overall I'm very happy with that.
 
donrae said:
I was raised being told it was because the male rounds everyone up at night and makes sure they're all on the roost at bedtime. Rooster was apparently easier to say then Bedtime Policeman
smile.png


And I do think it's funny we can use the correct term for a male bird, a cock, but we can't use the correct term for a female dog, a *****. But, the site is family friendly and overall I'm very happy with that.
Click to expand...

I'm totally going to start calling my roosters "Bedtime Policemen" from now on!
lau.gif
 
I've always thought it funny that a male chicken is called a cock, but doesn't have one of what that word is also used to describe...hahaha!

...and think it's just silly that male chickens are called a rooster but female are called chickens....... a rooster is a chicken too!

Cock, Hen, Cockerel, Pullet covers them all clearly.

But.... languages/words are funny in their evolution and colloquialisms.
 

Similar threads

Ifitaintbroke
    • Haha
Companions for jerk rooster.
2
Replies
19
Views
1K
McChooky
McChooky
H
    • Like
Can I swap out roosters with my flock?
2
Replies
10
Views
403
coach723
coach723
Mattie15
Rooster Overbreeding Hens/ Raw-Backs :(
2
Replies
11
Views
962
McChooky
McChooky
Papaye
BRAHMA : How many hens per rooster
2
Replies
12
Views
1K
Papaye
Papaye
KloekieKapokkie
Introducing new chickens to lonely rooster,
Replies
2
Views
236
KloekieKapokkie
KloekieKapokkie

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom