pig-out
/ˈpɪɡ.aʊt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To eat a lot of food in a greedy, relaxed, or uncontrolled way. It is often casual and informal.
- We pigged out on pizza last night.
- After exams, they always pig out.
- Don't pig out before dinner.
noun
A meal or occasion when someone eats a lot of food. It is informal and often playful.
- The birthday party was a real pig-out.
- We had a pig-out after the movie.
- That buffet became a complete pig-out.
Adinary Nuance
Pig-out is more casual and less polite than overeat. It often suggests enjoyment or lack of control, not just eating too much. Use pig out in friendly conversation, not formal writing. Compared with binge, it sounds lighter and more playful.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ăn vô độ
- Spanish
- comer en exceso
- Chinese
- 大吃大喝
- Japanese
- がっつり食べる
- Korean
- 폭식
Etymology
Pig-out is American informal English from the late 20th century. It uses pig, a word linked with messy or greedy eating, plus out, giving the sense of eating heavily.
Common phrases
pig out on somethinga pig-out sessioncomplete pig-out
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is pig out formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it with friends, not in business or academic writing.
- What is the difference between pig out and overeat?
- Overeat is neutral and more serious. Pig out is more casual and often playful.
- Can I say pig out on snacks?
- Yes. People often say pig out on pizza, chips, or dessert.
- Is pig-out a common word?
- It is common in spoken English, especially in casual American English.