Pizzle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pizzle is an old English word for penis, derived from Low German pesel or Flemish Dutch pezel, diminutive of pees 'sinew'.[1] The word is used today to signify the penis of an animal.[2]
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[edit] Original uses
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Pizzles are represented in heraldry, where the adjective pizzled indicates that part of an animate charge's anatomy, especially if coloured differently.
It is also known, at least since 1523, especially in the combination "bull pizzle", to denote a flogging instrument made from a bull's penis - compare bullwhip - and the modern Dutch word bullepees 'bull sinew' which fits a bull pizzle, a term specifying the material is from a bull.
[edit] Modern uses
[edit] Animal consumption
Pizzles are almost exclusively used/produced today as chewing treats for dogs,[2] and are prepared by cleaning, stretching, twisting and then drying at a high heat. The result is a very hard, 80–100 centimetres (30–40 in) long brown stick, which is then sawed into pieces appropriate for the size of the dog.[citation needed]
Pizzles used as dog treats are up to 12 inches (30 cm) long.[3]
[edit] Human consumption
In addition to being used as a dog treat, pizzles are also eaten by humans for their health benefits such as being low cholesterol and high in protein, hormones, vitamins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.[2]. Pizzles for human consumption are prepared either by freezing or by drying. Scottish deer pizzles are thought to boost stamina and were used by Chinese athletes at the 2008 Summer Olympics.[2][4] Pizzles can be served in soup, and if they have been dried they can be turned into a paste. Pizzles may also be mixed with alcoholic beverages or simply thawed (if frozen) and eaten. [2]
[edit] References
- ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=pizzle&searchmode=none. Retrieved on 2009-03-30.
- ^ a b c d e "Beijing Olympics 2008 in short". The Daily Telegraph. 21 Aug 2008. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2597895/Beijing-Olympics-2008-in-short.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-31.
- ^ Weingarten, Gene (February 11, 2007). "Does This Give You Paws . . .". The Washington Post. pp. W48. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/07/AR2007020701340_2.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-31.
- ^ "G20 summit represents a good start". The Scotsman. 15 November 2008. http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/G20-summit-represents-a-good.4697364.jp. Retrieved on 2009-03-31.
