Pronunciation: [hˈɒɡɪŋ] (IPA) 
Hogging (/ˈhɒɡɪŋ/) is the present participle form of the verb "hog." In IPA phonetic transcription, the first sound is pronounced as /h/, the second sound is /ɒ/, followed by a hard "g" /ɡ/ sound. Hogging can refer to a few different things, such as the act of hoarding or keeping all of something for oneself, or it can refer to the bending or warping of a beam or structure due to a heavy load on the center.
Hogging refers to a physical phenomenon characterized by a bending or curving deformation in a structural element, typically a beam or a ship, where the center part of the element sinks or sags downwards. This deformation occurs under the influence of external loads or forces, causing the middle section to flex or buckle. Hogging is the opposite of sagging, which refers to the upward bending of an element's center due to external forces.
In engineering and construction contexts, hogging is often observed in beams subjected to heavy loads, such as bridges or structures supporting significant weight. The hogging effect can lead to structural weakness, reduced load-bearing capacity, and increased risk of failure. Contractors and engineers aim to design and construct beams and structures that minimize or eliminate hogging to ensure structural integrity and safety.
In maritime terminology, hogging refers to the longitudinal curvature or sagging of a ship's hull due to unequal distribution of weight or excessive loads being concentrated in the stern and bow areas. This imbalance can occur during cargo loading or due to uneven ballast distribution. Hogging in ships can result in reduced stability, increased stress on the hull, and potential safety hazards. Shipbuilders and naval architects take hogging into careful consideration during vessel design to prevent any adverse effects on the ship's performance, stability, and durability.
The word "hogging" originated from the noun "hog", which can refer to a domestic pig. However, the etymology of "hogging" in its specific context can vary depending on the field of reference. In the maritime domain, "hogging" refers to the excessive bending of a vessel's hull along its longitudinal axis. The term originated in the late 18th century in relation to shipbuilding and ship design.
While the exact etymology is uncertain, it is believed to have been derived from the resemblance between a ship experiencing hogging and a hog's arched back when it raises its head. This comparison likely arose due to the bending or sagging of the hull in the middle section, similar to the raised back of a hog. Over time, the term "hogging" has become widely recognized in naval architecture and used to describe this particular structural phenomenon.
