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Hog Wild

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "hog wild" means going all-out, acting without restraint, or being extremely excited - like a hog running loose at feeding time.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Animals   #PeopleandRelationships   #Southern   #FarmTalk

synonyms: out of control, all-out, over-the-top, unrestrained, enthusiastic
Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Hog wild' has been a common one ever since I can remember, and still is. 

Pronunciation

[HAWG wy-uld] /hɔːɡ waɪld/

Meaning & Usage

- Out of control or extremely enthusiastic (idiom)

Ruby:
Give ‘em cotton candy and they’ll go hog wild.
Earl:
Lordy, they’re tearing up the place already.
variations: go hog wild, went hog wild
★ Think of "hog wild" as a Southern shorthand for going all-out - perfect for fairs, parties, and any time folks get carried away. ★

Origin

Rooted in Southern rural life and printed in U.S. newspapers by the 1910s, especially across the South. It likely arose from farm imagery of hogs breaking loose or eating with abandon and quickly became a colorful way to describe people acting out.

Notes

  • Distinctly Southern/Appalachian in flavor; spread nationally through country music and popular culture.
  • Commonly used with "go" ("go hog wild") or "went" ("went hog wild").
  • Best for describing exuberance, chaos, or excitement.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "hog wild" mean?
It means acting without restraint, being overly excited, or going all-out.
Is "hog wild" Southern?
Yes. It originated in the rural South and Appalachia and spread nationwide.
When did people start saying "hog wild"?
It appears in Southern newspapers by the 1910s and in oral speech earlier, likely tied to farm life.
How do you use "hog wild" in a sentence?
"When they opened the buffet, everyone went hog wild."
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