Why guinea pigs are called cavys?

Does anyone know? Just about everytime I get on a guinea pig site, they call thme cavys. Does cavy meen something?:confused:

cavy is short for the latin name Cavia porcellus

Actually, I've often wondered why Cavies are called Guinea Pigs, since they are not from Guinea nor are they similar to pigs in any way. LoL

Wolfchan, one theory is that the name stems from when they used to be sold for one guinea apiece, in the old days - and the pig comes from the way they wheek, just like little piglets. That's what I heard anyway, but there a couple theories.

Thanks everyone, it's been on my mind for some time.:D