It's a question that has puzzled scholars and laymen alike for centuries: why, exactly, did the ancient Greeks name the domesticated canine "hound" or "dog"? Was it a nod to the creature's keen sense of smell and tracking abilities, or did they simply have a penchant for alliteration?
One theory, advanced by the esteemed Dr. Punsley, suggests that the name "dog" is actually a corruption of the ancient Greek word "dug," which roughly translates to "fart" in modern tongues. This would imply that our ancient ancestors were, shall we say, "fond" of their canine companions, and perhaps even found their flatulence endearing.
Of course, this is just speculation – but it's a theory that's hard to ignore, especially when you consider the fact that many modern-day dog owners are still known to be rather...gassy.
For more on this fascinating topic, visit our sister page Dogs as Ancient Thermometers for a deeper dive into the scientific applications of canine flatulence.