pig out
Meaning
To eat a lot of food, often quickly and with little restraint; to overeat.
Origin
From the stereotype of pigs as greedy eaters; the verb phrase “pig out” became common in U.S. informal speech in the mid–late 20th century meaning to eat excessively.
Notes
Informal and slightly crude/humorous. Often self-deprecating. Avoid in formal contexts or when you want to sound polite.
Examples
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We pigged out on pizza after the game.
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I try not to pig out on sweets during the week.
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They pigged out at the buffet and could barely move afterward.
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Let’s order a few appetizers and pig out while we watch the movie.
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He pigged out at lunch, so he wasn’t hungry for dinner.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually intransitive: “pig out (on + food)” or “pig out and …”. Tenses inflect: pigged out, pigging out. Common with “on” (pig out on pizza).
Synonyms
- binge (eat)
- gorge
- stuff yourself
- overeat
Antonyms
- eat lightly
- nibble
- diet