Rabbit Lingo
By: Cait Reizman and Matt Cummins
Like any community, the world of rabbits has its own lingo! This can be confusing at first, so here’s a handy list to get you talking like a seasoned bunny owner in no time!
Behaviors:
Binky
A running, twisting jump. A bunny’s version of a happy dance
Flop
When a bunny suddenly flops over on its side. This is a sign of trust and relaxation, as it’s akin to making them vulnerable to you.
Dead Bunny Flop (DBF)
A variant of the flop where the bunny lays very still and appears almost lifeless. Will scare you the first time, and most times after that, but is actually a sign of extreme relaxation.
Sploot
When a bunny lays on the ground with legs stretched out behind them or off to the side.
Superbunning
A variant of the sploot when a bunny rests on the ground with front legs pointed forward and back legs stretched behind them. Looks like Superman flying.
Loafing
When a bunny tucks up into a position with all limbs drawn in, looking like a loaf of bread. It’s their go-to comfy position and frequently happens in a state of rest.
Mirroring
When rabbits copy each others’ pose. Clearly the first one had a great idea!
Periscoping
When a bunny stands up on its hind legs. Could be a sign of curiosity, or more likely an attempt to get your attention for a treat or some pets!
Bunstruction
A portmanteau that describes a bunny’s love of chewing on things, which leads to all sorts of destruction.
Chinning
When a rabbit rubs their chin on things. Rabbits have scent glands there that they use to mark territory, or claim things as “theirs”. You will see this behavior a lot when the rabbit is in a new place or gets new toys, and you should take it as a huge honor when they chin you!
Rabbitude
A rabbit’s attitude.
Tip-toeing
When a bunny walks by stepping with all four paws instead of hopping the back two forward. Often done in an attempt to be inconspicuous.
Zoomies
What happens when a bunny gives in to an uncontrollable urge to run, or “zoom” around! Can involve seemingly random bursts of speed and changes in direction. Another sign that the bunny is happy and playful.
Household Care and Supplies:
Bunnyproofing
When you protect your bunny and your belongings by blocking access to hazardous things your bunny will want to chew.
Spicy Hay
A playful term for electrical wires and cords! Bunnies will want to chew them, and may unfortunately be shocked to find that there’s no actual hay present. Make sure to bunnyproof by covering your cords.
Critical Care
An important part of any bunny owner's medical arsenal, this is a type of nutrient dense food supplement your vet might instruct you to use when your rabbit is not eating. You may have to force them to eat it with a syringe. We recommend the apple-banana flavor it comes in to make it more palatable.
Snuffle Mat
A mat, usually made of fleece, that has all sorts of nooks and crannies into which pellets or treats can be hidden. This makes the rabbit have to forage for their reward and serves as exercise and enrichment.
Rabitat
A rabbit’s habitat or living space.
Bunny Burrito / Bunrito
A technique of wrapping your bunny up in a blanket or towel to immobilize their limbs and prevent them from squirming around. Can be used to aid in nail trimming or feeding medication.
X-Pen
Short for “exercise pen”, it’s the common type of enclosure used to confine rabbits to a certain space. A metal one, many feet tall and with closely spaced bars, ensures that your furry friend probably won’t escape (but they will certainly try).
Physical Traits and Relationships:
Dewlap
A pouch of skin and fatty tissue that appears under a rabbit’s chin. More common in females, especially if they have not been spayed or were spayed late. Allows mother rabbits to more easily line their nests with their own fur and can also serve as extra protection for their babies. Some males may develop one as well.
Doe
A female rabbit.
Buck
A male rabbit.
Husbun
A male rabbit in a bonded pair. No one seems to have found a good equivalent term for females yet.
Kit
A baby rabbit.
Colony
A collective noun for a group of rabbits.
Fluffle
The cuter collective noun for a group of rabbits.
Top Bunny
The bunny at the top of the hierarchy in a bonded pair or group. The dominant bunny gets privileges such as dibs on food or on-demand grooming from the other rabbit(s). This is a role that can change over time if a new rabbit is introduced to the family or if the current Top Bunny cedes their role, and is not specific to a gender.
