Ciao to all,
 
let me put my 2 cents on this subject (yes, I learned this idiomatic
expression here, FML is not only a great source of knowledge on ferrets,
it is also improving my English !).  And you will excuse me if their Latin
name was already explained by somebody else before I subscribed to the
list.
 
"MUSTELA" doesn't need an explanation; "PUTORIUS" means "stinky" (and it
comes from their polecat origin); "FURO" means "thief".  So, isn't it
horrible that our beloved pets are considered by naturalists as "Stinky
thieves " ??!!
 
F  errets'
U  niversal
L  over
V  ia
I   nternet
O bviously
[Posted in FML issue 2528]