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Piggy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piggy

[หˆpษชษกi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A piggy is a young pig, especially one that has not been weaned.

Synonyms

pig, piglet, pigling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piggy

This is a repetition error. It has the same meaning and usage as the first 'piggy'.

  • See above for examples.
piglet

Specifically used to refer to a baby pig. It's a neutral and common term when talking about young pigs.

  • The piglet followed its mother around the pen.
  • Watching the piglets play is so adorable.
pigling

Less commonly used term referring to a young pig. It often appears in literature or historical texts rather than in everyday conversation.

  • The farmer found a lost pigling in the field.
  • The story included a pigling that wandered off from its litter.
pig

Used generally to refer to the animal as a whole, without specific connotations. It is a straightforward term that describes the domestic animal commonly found on farms.

  • The pig is rolling in the mud.
  • Pigs can be intelligent and social animals.

Examples of usage

  • He was playing with a litter of piggies on the farm.
  • The little girl loved to feed the piggy apples.
  • The piggy squealed happily when it saw the farmer approaching.
  • The piggy rolled around in the mud with its siblings.
  • The piggy's tail wagged excitedly as it ate its meal.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A piggy can also refer to a small container, typically in the shape of a pig, used for storing coins.

Synonyms

coin bank, money box.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piggy

Informal and often friendly term used to describe a small container, usually in the shape of a pig, where coins are saved. Itโ€™s commonly used when talking to children.

  • Letโ€™s put your spare change in your piggy so you can save up for something special.
  • My daughter loves feeding her piggy with coins.
coin bank

A more generic and neutral term, suitable for adult and professional settings. It refers to any container designed to hold and save coins.

  • I bought a coin bank to save all the loose change I accumulate.
  • For his birthday, he received a beautiful glass coin bank.
money box

Commonly used term that can be applied in both casual and formal contexts. It refers to any box or container used to save money.

  • She has a money box where she deposits her weekly savings.
  • Every child should have a money box to learn about saving.

Examples of usage

  • She dropped a coin into the piggy on her dresser.
  • He smashed his piggy to get money for the movie tickets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, pigs are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity, often represented in art and folklore.
  • The phrase 'when pigs fly' implies something unlikely or impossible, showing how pigs can capture imagination in language.

Folklore and Literature

  • The story of 'The Three Little Pigs' teaches lessons about hard work and resourcefulness through the adventures of three pig siblings.
  • In childrenโ€™s nursery rhymes, pigs are often personified, like in 'This Little Piggy,' making them relatable and fun for kids.

Science and Behavior

  • Pigs are highly intelligent animals, often compared in intelligence to dogs, capable of learning tricks and solving puzzles.
  • They have a unique social behavior and form strong bonds with each other and humans, leading to friendships similar to dogs.

Origin of 'piggy'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Piggy' comes from the old English word 'pig,' which meant a young swine.
  • The term dates back to at least the 14th century, evolving to refer to small, cute pigs, especially in childrenโ€™s stories.

The word 'piggy' originated in Middle English as 'pigge', which was used to refer to a young pig. Over time, the term evolved to 'piggy' to specifically denote a young pig. In informal contexts, 'piggy' also came to refer to a small container for storing coins, likely due to the common pig-shaped design of such containers.

See also: pig, pigheaded, piglet, pigling, pigment, pigpen, pigsty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,120 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.