The term "pigtails" actually has historical roots. Over time, it became associated with the hairstyle involving two sections. Pigtails (or twin tail or twintail) are a hairstyle of twin ponytails or braids on opposite sides of the head. Bedouin woman with braided pigtails, between 1898 and 1914. Depending on the person's hair length and thickness, pigtails can either be two high ponytails, two low. Dear Straight Dope: Where do they get the term “pigtails” since there aren't two tails or a split? Daniel Kordan Dex replies: The first use of the term pigtail was, of course, to refer to the tail of a pig. By the mid-1600s, however, it had taken on the added meaning of tobacco twisted into a thin. Pigs only have one tail. What is your opinion? That is an interesting question. Any girls want to take this one? 4. Back. That being said, there's no issue if you're an adult and have your hair parted in this manner as well. Most of us don't really question the term, but when you think about it — it's a strange term. In ancient Greece and Rome, pigtails were a common hairstyle among young girls and women.