pig

¹

[ pig ]

noun

1. a young swine of either sex, especially a domestic hog, Sus scrofa, typically weighing less than 300 pounds (136 kilograms).
2. any wild or domestic swine in the genus Sus, within the family Suidae Old World pigs.
3. the flesh of swine; pork.
4. Informal. a person of piggish character, behavior, or habits, as one who is gluttonous, very fat, greedy, selfish, or filthy.
5. Slang: Disparaging. a police officer.
6. Slang. an extremely rude, ill-mannered person, especially one who is sexist or racist.
7. Slang. an immoral woman, especially a prostitute.
8. Machinery. any tool or device, as a long-handled brush or scraper, used to clear the interior of a pipe or duct.
9. Metallurgy.
   1. an oblong mass of metal that has been run while still molten into a mold of sand or the like, especially such a mass of iron from a blast furnace.
   2. one of the molds for such masses of metal.
   3. metal in the form of such masses.
   4. pig iron.

verb (used with object)

, pigged, pig·ging.

1. Metallurgy. to mold (metal) into oblong masses.
2. Informal. to eat (something) quickly; gulp:

   He pigged three doughnuts and ran off to school.

verb (used without object)

, pigged, pig·ging.

1. to bring forth pigs; farrow.

verb phrase

1. Slang. to overindulge in eating:

   We pigged out on pizza last night.

pig

²

[ pig ]

noun

, Scot. and North England.

1. an earthenware crock, pot, pitcher, or jar.
2. potter's clay; earthenware as a material.

pig

/ pɪɡ /

noun

1. any artiodactyl mammal of the African and Eurasian family Suidae, esp Sus scrofa ( domestic pig ), typically having a long head with a movable snout, a thick bristle-covered skin, and, in wild species, long curved tusks
2. a domesticated pig weighing more than 120 pounds (54 kg) porcine
3. informal.
   a dirty, greedy, or bad-mannered person
4. the meat of swine; pork
5. derogatory.
   a slang word for policeman
6. 1. a mass of metal, such as iron, copper, or lead, cast into a simple shape for ease of storing or transportation
   2. a mould in which such a mass of metal is formed
7. informal.
   something that is difficult or unpleasant
8. an automated device propelled through a duct or pipeline to clear impediments or check for faults, leaks, etc
9. a pig in a poke
   something bought or received without prior sight or knowledge
10. make a pig of oneself informal.
    to overindulge oneself
11. on the pig's back
    successful; established

    he's on the pig's back now

verb

1. intr (of a sow) to give birth
2. informal.
   Alsopig it intr to live in squalor
3. informal.
   tr to devour (food) greedily

Word History and Origins

Origin of pig¹

First recorded before 1100; Middle English peg, pyg, pyge, pigge “young pig,” Old English picbrēd “pigbread,” i.e., acorns or stale bread used as fodder; further origin uncertain

Origin of pig²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English pygg; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of pig¹

C13 pigge, of obscure origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the pig's back, Australian Slang. in a fortunate position.
2. pig it,
   1. to live like a pig, especially in dirt.
   2. to lead a disorganized, makeshift life; live without plan or pattern.

More idioms and phrases containing pig

• in a pig's eye
• like pigs in clover
• make a pig of oneself
• when pigs fly

Related Words

• boar
• hog
• piglet
• swine