Living high on the hog is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States, often used to describe a lavish or extravagant lifestyle. The phrase suggests a life of luxury and excessive abundance, where one indulges in the best of everything without any financial restrictions or concerns.
When someone is said to be "living high on the hog," it implies that they enjoy an opulent existence characterized by extravagant expenditures, lavish possessions, and a generally comfortable and indulgent way of life. This phrase is often associated with individuals who have achieved great financial success or come into substantial wealth, allowing them to afford the finest things in life, such as expensive cars, luxurious homes, high-end fashion, and extravagant vacations.
The phrase itself is believed to have originated from the practice of dividing a hog into different parts. The upper portions of the hog, such as the loin and ham, were considered to be the most desirable and delectable. People with higher social status or greater wealth were able to afford these more expensive cuts of meat, while those with less means had to make do with the lower-quality and less expensive portions. Consequently, the phrase "living high on the hog" became associated with those who could afford to enjoy the best and most desirable aspects of life.
Overall, "living high on the hog" signifies a lifestyle of abundance, luxury, and privilege that is typically only accessible to the wealthiest individuals in society.
