Pronunciation: [hˈɒɡ lˈa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The term "hog line" refers to a line on a curling rink that separates the playing area from the area where sweeping is allowed. It is pronounced /hɒɡ laɪn/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the 'g' sound being pronounced as a hard 'g'. The spelling of "hog line" is derived from the old English word "hogg," which means a young sheep or a pig. In curling, if a stone does not cross the hog line, it is removed from play.
The hog line is a term used in the sport of curling, referring to a line that divides the playing area into two sections: the area of play and the hog line zone. In curling, players slide stones across a sheet of ice with the aim of landing them in the target area known as the house. The hog line plays a crucial role in regulating the gameplay.
The hog line is a straight line that stretches across the width of the sheet of ice, located approximately 10 meters from each end of the ice. It is marked by a band of colored material that is visually distinct to players. To ensure fair play, each curling stone must cross the near hog line completely for its throw to be valid.
The hog line acts as a boundary that determines when a stone is in play. If a stone does not reach the far hog line, it is considered hogged and will be removed from play. However, if a stone fails to cross the near hog line, it is known as a hogged stone, and also removed from play. The hog line plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game and preventing players from intentionally or accidentally throwing non-regulation shots.
In addition to its functional purpose, the hog line also serves as a visual guide for players, helping them to judge the distance and accuracy of their throws. The hog line is a fundamental element in the game of curling, ensuring fair play and adding an additional layer of skill and strategy to the sport.
The term "hog line" has its origins in the sport of curling. It refers to a line that runs across the width of the curling sheet, 33 feet from the hack (the starting point for delivering the stone). If a delivered stone in curling does not pass the hog line, it is considered a foul and is immediately removed from play.
The exact etymology of the term "hog line" is not entirely clear, but there are a couple of theories. One theory suggests that it may have derived from an older slang term used in Britain, where "hog" was used to describe a pad or cushion. This association with a line acting as a cushion or barrier led to it being called the "hog line".
Another theory relates the term to a historical practice of using a pig or hog to mark the line.
