Option variety cunny is attested from c. 1720 but is undoubtedly A lot previously and forced a transform while in the pronunciation of coney (q.v.), but it absolutely was fantastic for just a pun when coney was continue to the widespread word for "rabbit": "A pox upon your Christian cockatrices! https://knoxrblai.tribunablog.com/terror-us-can-be-fun-for-anyone-45774622