PIGGY Meaning and
Definition
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Piggy, typically used as a noun, refers to a small domesticated mammal belonging to the genus Sus in the family Suidae, commonly known as pigs. Typically having stout bodies with stocky legs, pigs are quadrupedal and are renowned for their distinctive snouts and hard, cartilaginous noses, which they employ for a variety of purposes such as foraging and rooting in the ground. Known for their intelligence and adaptable nature, domesticated pigs have been bred for thousands of years for their meat (pork) and, to a lesser extent, for their leather and bristles.
However, "piggy" can also be used as an adjective, generally to describe something that resembles a pig or piglet. Furthermore, it can serve as an endearing term, often used colloquially to address someone affectionately, usually children, emphasizing their smallness or innocence. The term usually conveys a sense of fondness and tenderness in such contexts.
Additionally, "piggy" can be used as a slang term, especially among young people, to refer to money, typically in the form of pocket change. This usage may stem from the idea of pigs being associated with wealth or the notion of saving money in a piggy bank. In this context, it often signifies a relatively small amount of money or loose change.
Common Misspellings for PIGGY
Etymology of PIGGY
The word "piggy" originated in Middle English as "pigge" or "piggeye", which referred to a young pig. The term evolved from Old English "picga" or "picge", which meant a pig or a swine. The ultimate origins of the word are uncertain, but it is believed to stem from the Proto-Germanic word "pikwô", which also meant pig. This word might have derived from an even older Indo-European root, "*pek-", related to fatness or swelling. Overall, the etymology of "piggy" traces back to ancient Germanic languages with a common ancestral root.
Idioms with the word PIGGY
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piggy in the middle
The idiom "piggy in the middle" refers to a situation where a person or an object is caught or trapped between two conflicting or competing parties. This person or object becomes the focus of attention or disagreement, often feeling helpless or unable to escape the situation.
Similar spelling words for PIGGY
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