Piggish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piggish

[ˈpɪgɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Piggish refers to a behavior that is greedy, gluttonous, or characterized by excessive indulgence. It often describes someone who eats in a ravenous or uncontrolled manner. The term can also apply to people showing selfish or unrefined manners. It invokes an image of someone who is lacking in restraint when it comes to food or pleasure.

Synonyms

gluttonous, greedy, indulgent, selfish.

Examples of usage

  • He ate in a piggish manner at the buffet.
  • Her piggish habits at dessert time annoyed her friends.
  • The piggish behavior at the party led to a mountain of leftovers.
  • They indulged in piggish consumption during the holidays.

Translations

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Origin of 'piggish'

The word 'piggish' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Old English word 'picg,' which means pig. This reflects the common association between pigs and insatiable, gluttonous behavior, as pigs are often depicted as having voracious appetites and a lack of self-control. The suffix '-ish' is used to form adjectives indicating a resemblance or characteristic, thus 'piggish' essentially conveys 'like a pig.' Over time, it has evolved to describe human behaviors that mirror the unrefined and indulgent traits attributed to pigs, not just in eating but in selfishness and lack of restraint in various aspects. The usage of 'piggish' in literature and speech serves to critique excessive consumption and gluttony, making it a term infused with moral judgment against overindulgence.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,546, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.