Pig Latin Translator
Pig Latin TranslatorEnglish ↔ Pig Latin
Pig Latin Rules
- Vowel start: Add "way" to the end (apple → appleway)
- Consonant start: Move consonant cluster to end, add "ay" (hello → ellohay)
- Special case: "qu" is treated as a consonant cluster (quick → ickquay)
- Numbers/punctuation: Remain unchanged
Related Tools
What is Pig Latin?
Pig Latin is a playful "secret" language game that alters English words according to simple rules. It's been used by children and adults alike for centuries as a fun way to communicate in a coded manner that sounds like a different language while remaining understandable to those who know the rules.
Despite its name, Pig Latin has no connection to Latin or pigs. The name likely emerged in the early 20th century, though language games like this have existed in various cultures throughout history. It's sometimes called "Hog Latin" or "Dog Latin."
This free online tool converts English text to Pig Latin and can also decode Pig Latin back to English. It handles punctuation, capitalization, and special cases like words starting with "qu".
Pig Latin Rules
Words Starting with Vowels
If a word begins with a vowel (A, E, I, O, U), simply add "way" to the end.
- apple → appleway
- egg → eggway
- ice → iceway
- orange → orangeway
Words Starting with Consonants
Move the initial consonant or consonant cluster to the end and add "ay".
- hello → ellohay
- string → ingstray
- school → oolschay
- chair → airchay
Special Case: "QU"
When a word starts with "qu", both letters are moved together as a consonant cluster.
- question → estionquay
- quick → ickquay
- queen → eenquay
The Letter "Y"
"Y" can be treated as either a consonant or vowel. Use the toggle to choose.
- Y as consonant: yes → esyay
- Y as vowel: rhythm → rhythmway
History of Pig Latin
Origins
Language games like Pig Latin have existed for centuries across many cultures. The specific form of Pig Latin we use today emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, though similar games were documented as early as the 1860s under names like "Hog Latin."
Cultural Impact
Pig Latin became popular in American culture, appearing in movies, music, and literature. Notable references include songs by Spike Jones and appearances in various cartoons and TV shows. The phrase "ixnay" (Pig Latin for "nix") became so common it entered mainstream slang.
Similar Language Games
Many cultures have their own language games: French has Verlan (reversing syllables), Swedish has Fikonspråket, and German has Kedelkloppersprook. These games serve similar social functions — creating in-group communication and playful coded speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pig Latin a real language?
No, Pig Latin is not a real language. It's a language game or "argot" that modifies English words according to simple rules. It has no grammar, vocabulary, or cultural heritage separate from English.
Why is decoding Pig Latin sometimes inaccurate?
Some Pig Latin words can have multiple valid English origins. For example, "appletay" could theoretically come from "tapple" or "applet". The decoder uses common patterns but cannot always determine the original word with certainty.
How do I handle words with no vowels?
Words with no vowels (like "rhythm" when Y is treated as a consonant) have all letters moved to the end with "ay" added. You can toggle the "Treat Y as Vowel" option to handle these cases differently.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. All translation is done entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, making this tool completely private.