Why does freak refer to max foot as hoof?

In the context of the book "Freak the Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick, Freak refers to Max's foot as a "hoof" to emphasize his perception of Max as somewhat clumsy or animalistic. This nickname reflects Freak's playful, imaginative nature and highlights their contrasting physical appearances; Freak is small and physically challenged, while Max is large and strong. The term also underscores their unique friendship, where they both embrace their differences and support each other.