pig
The word carries a stark duality between its biological meaning and its social application. In a literal sense, it describes a farm animal, but in a social sense, it serves as a harsh pejorative. This transition from animal to insult relies on the perceived traits of the animal, specifically its appetite and habit of wallowing in filth.
When used as a verb, the term shifts from a description of character to a description of a temporary state of indulgence. While calling someone a pig is a character judgment, saying they are pigging out describes a specific, often guilt-ridden, act of overeating.
Countable when referring to the individual animals on a farm or a greedy person ('He is such a pig'). Uncountable when referring to the meat of the animal, though 'pork' is more common.
💬Casual Conversation
Someone pigged out on all the synth-bacon in the galley.
Someone pigged out on all the synth-bacon in the galley.
Check the logs. I'll deal with whoever did it.
Check the logs. I'll deal with whoever did it.
Meanings
An omnivorous hoofed mammal of the family Suidae, commonly domesticated for meat.
The farmer fed the pig with a bucket of corn.
A person who is greedy, gluttonous, or untidy.
Don't be such a pig; leave some cake for the others!
To eat greedily or excessively.
He decided to pig out on pizza during the movie marathon.
Phrasal Verbs
pig out
to eat a large amount of food in a greedy or excessive manner
After the long hike, we decided to pig out on a giant platter of nachos.