🐷 Going the Whole Hog: The Origins of Complete Commitment 🐷
Definition:
Going the Whole Hog: To do something completely or thoroughly.
Origin and Historical Background:
The origin of “going the whole hog” is shrouded in mystery, much like trying to find any sense on what’s genuinely inside a mystery meat sausage.
- Charles Funk’s Take: Stemming from William Cowper’s poem that talks about the Islamic prohibition of pork: “But for one piece they thought it hard From the whole hog to be debar’d.”
- Monetary Metaphor: The Irish word “hog” referring to the British shilling or American dime; thus, “going the whole hog” equated to spending your entire coin in one swoop, a relatable image for anyone who’s ever gone on an unintentional shopping spree.
- American Colloquialism: Frederick Marryat in 1836 (Japhet) branded it as a purely American term, implying the greedy appropriation of something – to hog it all if you will.
Similar Terms:
- All In: A poker term meaning to commit all your chips.
- Whole Enchilada: Getting everything available.
- Full Monty: British phrase meaning to go all the way or engage fully.
- Go for Broke: To risk everything in an all-out effort.
Synonyms:
- Entirely
- Completely
- Thoroughly
- Exhaustively
- Wholeheartedly
Antonyms:
- Partially
- Halfway
- Incompletely
- Sparingly
Inspirational Quote:
“Do what you love, and the money will follow. Probably because you went the whole hog and pawned everything you owned.” — Your Rich Uncle Who Always Has Advice But Never Seems To Work
Famous Uses & References:
- Literature: Frederick Marryat’s “Japhet in Search of a Father” explored themes of going the whole hog in the sense of fate and fortune.
- Books: “All In: The Education of General David Petraeus” talks about the commander’s full commitment in America’s armed conflicts, a contextual manifestation of ‘going the whole hog.’
- Movies: The Full Monty (1997), a classic that takes the theme (quite literally) to stripping for cash—if that’s not commitment, what is?
- Songs: Queen’s “I Want It All” – a rock anthem for those who refuse to settle for half measures.
- Poetry: William Cowper’s works, playing poetic justice to those who desire the whole, not just half (or should we say a piggy quarter).
Thought-provoking Farewell:
And so, dear reader, whether you find yourself questioning whether you should put all your eggs in one basket or avoid blindsiding life’s opportunities with any semblance of reservation—sometimes, just sometimes— the whole hog is the only way to go. May your endeavors be fulfilled with the fervor of a determined swine.
Thank you for embarking on this whimsical exploration. Until we meet again in wordplay and poetic banter, go the whole hog in life, laugh with a full heart, and love without reservations.
- E. X. Pressword
