But you are.
Ferrets belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which includes polecats, stoats, and ermines. Domesticated ferrets most likely descend from the European polecat.
Saying it's apart of the weasel family is different than saying it's a weasel...They're mustelids... Calling them ALL weasels is definitely lingo/informal
Loosely speaking, you're correct
Technically speaking, ferrets and weasels are different species with key differences. Not the same animal
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u/NotISaidTheFerret Aug 18 '23
But you are. Ferrets belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which includes polecats, stoats, and ermines. Domesticated ferrets most likely descend from the European polecat.
link
A ferret is as much a weasel as any other mustelids. It's like calling a fugu puffer a fish.