pig out

USAGE SUMMARY

"pig out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to eat a lot of food, usually of a certain type, often in a way that is not considered to be healthy. For example, "We decided to pig out on pizza and ice cream for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"At last: a chance to pig out in healthy fashion".

The Guardian - Travel

It wasn't like she wanted an excuse to pig out on ice cream.

The New York Times - Style

So we're going to go home and pig out, watch Coronation Street".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also can't resist the quail's egg shooters and always pig out on the free twiglets.

The Guardian - Travel

"I can eat whatever I want as long as I don't pig out".

The New York Times

The Pig Out is a burger topped with pulled pork, jalapeño jack cheese and horseradish coleslaw ($6.49).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's pig-out food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first concerns food: a hankering for an occasional cholesterol pig-out at a Sunday brunch.

The New York Times

Should you want to pig-out in that fashion, Shayona serves a weekday buffet until 4pm (£6.99).

The Guardian - Travel

The procedure is empirically evaluated using leave-one-pig-out crossvalidation.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

People on a fetus cake pig-out.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pig out" in informal contexts when you want to convey the idea of eating a large amount of food in a pleasurable, perhaps slightly excessive, way. It's suitable for describing casual dining experiences or moments of indulgence.

Common error

Avoid using "pig out" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can be perceived as too casual or even vulgar. Opt for more neutral terms like "eat heartily" or "indulge" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pig out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, describing an action performed by the subject. It indicates the act of eating voraciously or excessively. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pig out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe eating a large quantity of food, often in an unrestrained manner. Ludwig AI supports this assessment. Predominantly used in informal settings, such as among friends and family, it's generally avoided in formal or professional contexts. While alternatives like "gorge oneself" or "stuff one's face" exist, "pig out" carries a specific connotation of pleasurable, albeit possibly excessive, indulgence. As Ludwig examples show, it appears frequently in news and media, and on wikis, reflecting its casual and widely understood usage. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for informal situations and opt for more neutral language in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gorge oneself

This alternative suggests a more extreme and potentially unhealthy level of overeating.

stuff one's face

This option is a more direct and slightly less polite way to describe eating a lot.

binge eat

This alternative emphasizes the impulsive and uncontrolled nature of overeating.

overindulge

This term broadens the scope beyond just food, encompassing excessive enjoyment of anything pleasurable.

feast

This option suggests a celebratory and abundant meal, though not necessarily excessive.

devour

This alternative describes eating quickly and with great enthusiasm.

wolf down

This phrase emphasizes the speed and voracity of eating.

eat like a horse

This idiom implies eating a large quantity of food, drawing a comparison to a horse's appetite.

indulge in

This alternative means to allow oneself to enjoy something pleasurable, often food, to excess.

eat heartily

This phrase indicates eating with great enjoyment and satisfaction, though not necessarily to excess.

FAQs

What does "pig out" mean?

The phrase "pig out" means to eat a large amount of food, often quickly and with great enjoyment. It typically implies indulging in a meal, often to excess.

What can I say instead of "pig out"?

You can use alternatives like "gorge oneself", "stuff one's face", or "binge eat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pig out"?

Yes, "pig out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb. It follows standard English grammar rules.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "pig out"?

The phrase "pig out" is appropriate in informal and casual contexts. It's often used when describing relaxed dining experiences or moments of indulgence with friends or family. However, it's best to avoid using it in formal or professional settings.