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. Hillbilly Dude Says...
'Hog wild' has been a common one ever since I can remember, and still is. Pronunciation
[HAWG wy-uld]
/hɔːɡ waɪld/
/hɔːɡ waɪld/
Meaning & Usage
- Out of control or extremely enthusiastic (idiom)
Ruby:
Give ‘em cotton candy and they’ll go hog wild.
Give ‘em cotton candy and they’ll go hog wild.
Earl:
Lordy, they’re tearing up the place already.
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 and Etymology
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.
Usage 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
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 29). Hog Wild. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hog-wild
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Hog Wild." HillbillySlang.com, 29 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hog-wild.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Hog Wild." HillbillySlang.com. September 29, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/hog-wild.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...