WordGarden.iopig
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɪɡ/
US
- /ˈpɪɡ/
Meanings
Noun
a domesticated swine, especially one kept for meat
an offensive term for a greedy, dirty, or unpleasant person
the meat or whole carcass of a pig used as food
More meaningsFewer meanings
an offensive slang term for a police officer
Verb
to eat greedily or too much
Beyond the definition
We all know pigs, those farm animals that may be pink, black, brown, or spotted and often enjoy rolling in mud. But "pig" is not just the name of an animal. It is also used when talking about the animal that gives us pork, bacon, and ham. If someone is very greedy, rude, or messy, people may also call that person a "pig." You might hear, for example, that someone "eats like a pig" when they eat too much or make a mess.
The word has a long history and comes from older Germanic language roots. Long ago, it could refer more generally to a young animal, but over time it became the usual word for this farm animal. In everyday English, the word is common both in literal talk about animals and in figurative, often insulting, ways.
The word "pig" most commonly refers to a domesticated mammal, Sus scrofa domesticus, raised on farms and kept for meat such as pork, bacon, and ham. These animals may be pink, black, brown, or spotted, and they are well known for rolling in mud. Although they are often described as dirty, pigs are actually intelligent animals and can learn quickly.
Over time, "pig" also developed several figurative meanings. Calling someone a "pig" is usually insulting and suggests that the person is greedy, rude, or messy. From this idea we also get the phrasal verb "to pig out," which means to eat too much food. For example: "We pigged out on pizza after the movie!"
"Pig" can also refer to police officers, particularly in certain subcultures and slang. While the exact origin of this term is debated, it is generally considered derogatory and offensive.
Historically, pigs have been important farm animals for thousands of years and appear in stories, sayings, and popular culture across many places. From The Three Little Pigs to Peppa Pig, they remain familiar figures in everyday language. So whether you are thinking about a farm animal, food, or an insult for bad behavior, "pig" is a word with several common uses.
Examples
- 1
Farm animal
A pig was sleeping in the mud behind the barn.
- 2
Farming
The farmer raises pigs for meat.
- 3
Festival food
We roasted a whole pig for the festival.
- 4
Table manners
Don't eat like a pig; there is plenty for everyone.
- Phraseeat like a pig
eat in a greedy or messy way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Informal eating
We pigged out on popcorn during the movie.
- Usagepig out on + food
eat a lot of it; informal
- 6
Insult
He apologized for being such a pig about the last slice of cake.
- Caution
pig can be an insult for someone rude, greedy, or dirty
- 7
Testing role
The company used its own staff as guinea pigs for the new software.
- Phraseguinea pig
someone or something used to test an idea, product, or medicine
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pignounverb
Forms
- pigspluralnounverb