Living High on the Hog: Prosperity and Pork 🐖
Definition
To live well; to prosper. This idiom refers to living a life of luxury and abundance, derived from the figurative pollution of the finest cuts of ham and bacon taken from the higher part of a pig’s side.
Origin
This juicy expression hails from the American South in the nineteenth century, becoming very popular by the mid-twentieth century. Nowadays, it is sometimes flavored as “eating high on the hog.”
Related Expressions
- Living the high life: Embodying a lifestyle filled with luxury and glamour.
- On top of the world: Feeling exceptionally happy and successful.
- Footloose and fancy-free: Enjoying life without commitments or financial worries.
Proverbs
- “Money makes the mare go.” – We’ll have bacon if the wallet is whetting our appetites.
Synonyms
- Thriving
- Flourishing
- Enjoying the lap of luxury
Antonyms
- Struggling
- Slumming it
- Down in the dumps
Humor-Filled Quote
“Living high on the hog might give you cavities, but what sweet memories you’ll amass!” —Anonymous
Literary Recommendations
- Books:
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A tale of decadence and opulence, showcases living high on the hog in early 20th century America.
- Movies:
- “The Wolf of Wall Street”: Showing the extreme end of living lavishly, though not always wisely.
Poetry
“The hogs up in the highlands, Their cuts so fine and rare, They don’t just feed a physical need— They show we’ve done quite fair.”
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
As you navigate your life’s journey, may you always find the most delicious cuts awaiting you. Live high on the hog and savor each moment with joy and gratitude.
— Ellen P. Proverb, October 2023
