Bunny vs. Rabbit

[Happy Hollands]

Recently somebody corrected me, stating that the size of the pet determines if it is a bunny or a rabbit. Is this true?? I've always used these terms interchangeably. Sorry if it seems like a really dumb question, I am just curious!

 

[Preitler]

I would say, the name of the species is European Rabbit. Every domestic rabbit is a rabbit, no matter the size, if it's a pet or lifestock. "Bunny" is just a pet name, like "Pooch" for dogs.

It's even more confusing in german, rabbit=Kaninchen, but most people use the term Hase, which actually means hare.

 

[KingBunny]

Yes. Rabbit is the species name.
Bunny is purely an affectionate name for a rabbit.

 

[Madelyn L.]

You can say whichever. Rabbit is the actual species name, but bunny or bun is just a cute nickname, but they mean the same thing.

 

[JBun]

They can be used interchangeably. Though usually when referring to a kit or young rabbit, people tend to call them bunnies. And there are some that think the term 'bunny' means it's a baby rabbit.