Oinking: meaning, definitions and examples

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oinking

 

[ˈɔɪŋkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Oinking refers to the characteristic sound made by pigs. It is an onomatopoeic term that mimics the grunting noise common to these animals. Oinking is often associated with a pig's communication, expressing various emotions such as distress, excitement, or hunger. This sound is recognizable and is commonly heard on farms and in rural settings.

Synonyms

grunting, snorting, squealing.

Examples of usage

  • The pig was oinking loudly for food.
  • We heard a chorus of oinking coming from the barn.
  • Oinking can be quite loud during feeding time.
  • The little piglet started oinking as it played in the mud.

Interesting Facts

Animal Communication

  • Pigs have a wide range of vocalizations; they can make over 20 different sounds to express emotions or needs.
  • The sound 'oink' is officially recognized as a pig's call, representing contentment, excitement, or alertness.
  • Research shows that pigs can differentiate between sounds and signals from their caretakers, suggesting they communicate quite effectively.

Cultural References

  • Children's stories often anthropomorphize pigs, giving them human traits, which makes their 'oinking' a beloved sound.
  • The famous cartoon character Porky Pig is known for his unique speech pattern that includes oinking, making it a symbol of comedy.
  • In many cultures, pigs and their oinking are associated with abundance and prosperity, particularly during harvest festivals.

Behavioral Studies

  • Studies reveal that pigs are highly social animals and often oink to express comfort when interacting with their friends.
  • Young pigs oink when they're playful. Their playful oinking is a sign of their happy interactions with siblings.
  • Oinking can be a form of communication during feeding time, signaling hunger or excitement about food.

Media and Entertainment

  • The sound 'oink' is often used in animations and movies to provide comic relief, especially in family-friendly content.
  • Pigs and their oinking sound have become iconic in music, appearing in children's songs like 'This Little Piggy'.
  • Television shows, especially cartoons, frequently use pig characters to evoke laughter, with their oinks adding to the humor.

Agriculture

  • Farmers often describe the sounds of their livestock, with oinking being a key part of understanding pig behavior and well-being.
  • Recording oinking sounds can help researchers monitor the health and stress levels of pig populations on farms.
  • Oinking is a vital part of the relationship between humans and pigs, often helping farmers assess the animals' needs and emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "oinking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grunhido

🇮🇳 गुर्राना

🇩🇪 grunzen

🇮🇩 mengorok

🇺🇦 грукання

🇵🇱 chrząkanie

🇯🇵 ブヒブヒ鳴く

🇫🇷 grognement

🇪🇸 gruñido

🇹🇷 hırıldama

🇰🇷 으르렁거림

🇸🇦 صوت الخنزير

🇨🇿 hřebčík

🇸🇰 hrkanie

🇨🇳 哼哼声

🇸🇮 hrčanje

🇮🇸 grunnt

🇰🇿 гүрілдеу

🇬🇪 გრუხუნი

🇦🇿 gırıltı

🇲🇽 gruñido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,050, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.