The saying "went whole hog" means to fully commit to something. But have you ever wondered why it's spelled "whole hog" instead of "whole hogged"? The answer lies in the phonetic transcription: /hoʊl hɔɡ/. The "ed" ending in "hogged" is not pronounced in American English, so it was dropped over time. Additionally, the use of "whole" instead of "all" emphasizes the completeness of the commitment being made. So, next time you hear someone say "went whole hog," you'll know the spelling is backed by linguistic logic!
To go whole hog is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States. It refers to the action of doing something with full commitment, enthusiasm, or without hesitation, sparing no effort or expense in pursuing a particular task or goal. The phrase is often used when someone wishes to emphasize or exaggerate the extent to which they are willing to go in order to achieve a desired outcome.
The term "whole hog" in this phrase is derived from the phrase "to get the whole hog" which refers to receiving or taking everything that is available. It is believed to have originated from the practice of having a whole hog roast, in which the entire pig is cooked and consumed. This symbolizes the thoroughness of doing something completely, not leaving any part unfinished or unattended.
When someone says they went whole hog, it implies that they did not hold back or take any shortcuts in their endeavors. It signifies that they gave their all, putting in maximum effort, time, and resources to accomplish a task without reservation. Whether it is in the context of work, personal matters, or any pursuit, going whole hog suggests a strong dedication and the willingness to invest fully in order to achieve the best possible outcome.