This week Shauna and Dan go whole hog to bust some myths and find some cookout tips. Bonus: Bucking porkchops, extreme ironing, and how to tell a fiddle from a violin
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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 302: Going Whole Hog
Record Date: November 2, 2025
Air Date: November 19, 2025
Intro
Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Dan Pugh
Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
Sometimes I tell myself I’m just going to dabble in a new project… try it out, see how it goes. Ten minutes later, I’m knee-deep in research, reorganizing my whole schedule, and pricing specialized equipment. What can I say? When I get into something, I tend to go whole hog.
Meaning
According to Oxford English Dictionary, whole hog is a colloquial term, originally out of North America, meaning:
Quote
Characterized by or arising from total commitment or devotion; thoroughgoing, out-and-out.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/whole-hog_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#14409184
Some other phrases that mean the same include:
Going all out
Giving it one’s all
Full-out
Full-throttle
“Hog” in the phrase likely draws on the idea of the animal itself: pigs are all-in eaters, rooting and consuming everything in their path without restraint.
So “whole hog” evokes the image of doing something completely, thoroughly, or without holding anything back.
Additionally, when ordering pork… people could order a whole hog or whole pig… so taking the whole pig, so to speak, rather than just a part… also applies in this phrase’s early usage.
1789
We see an example of this idea in 1789 collective work American Museum; Or, Repository of Ancient and Modern Fugitive Pieces, Etc. Prose and Poetical.
Quote
Such Mahomet's mysterious charge-
And thus he left the point at large.
Had he the sinful part express'd,
They might with safety eat the rest:
But, for one piece, they thought it hard
From the whole hog to be debarr'd;
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/American_Museum_Or_Repository_of_Ancient/SNFCAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22whole+hog%22&pg=PA78&printsec=frontcover
By the early 1800s, this metaphor was well enough understood that it could be applied figuratively to people, actions, or political commitment.
1829
Our first quote comes from the Virginia Herald, out of Virginia, US dated March 28, 1829.
Quote
We all know that of late he has shown a disposition to become ‘a whole hog man,’ but if he can swallow this, he can swallow anything.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/whole-hog_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#14409184
This early printed example uses “whole hog” in a political sense, describing someone fully committed to a particular stance or cause. The expression already carried its modern meaning—going all in without reservation.
1840
Our next reference comes from Quodlibet by John Pendleton Kennedy, published in 1840.
Quote
[They were] thorough-bred, whole-hog democrats.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/whole-hog_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#14409184
Kennedy was a novelist and politician. He used “whole hog” to describe unwavering party loyalty. By this time, the phrase had become a well-known political label for those who supported their cause completely and without compromise.
1857
Our next example comes from Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes, first published in 1857.
Quote
Yes, he's a whole-hog man, is Tom.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/whole-hog_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#14409184
Here, Hughes uses “whole-hog” to describe someone fully committed or enthusiastic… showing that by the mid-1800s, the phrase had already entered everyday English as a way to express wholehearted engagement or dedication.
1896
In an old comic titled Unlimited Love from the Twinkles segment of the New-York tribune, December 20, 1896, we see a man and woman sitting next to one another on a sofa, in nice dress and looking at one another.
Quote
“You’re all -
The languishing lover bent a fond eye upon his adored one.
“ - the world to me!”
She returned his glance suspiciously,
“Including - “
There was a certain expression of dubiousness on her pretty features.
“ - Chicago?”
With many asseverations, he swore that his adoration was ready to go the whole hog and she was fain to believe him.
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030214/1896-12-20/ed-1/?sp=43&q=whole+hog&r=0.429,0.744,0.685,0.401,0
Here, “go the whole hog” is used in a romantic, hyperbolic sense… expressing total commitment and intensity in devotion, showing the phrase had broadened beyond political or practical contexts to describe wholeheartedness in personal feelings.
1918
Our next example comes from Cayton’s Weekly out of Seattle, Washington, November 2, 1918, in a campaign advertisement for Supreme Court judge positions.
Quote
Organized labor on the other hand is never willing to give and take, it must have the whole hog or none at all and not getting the whole hog in the decisions, it complains of having come from Mount and Main it is out fighting them. Be sure you vote for Mount and Main for the long term.
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn87093353/1918-11-02/ed-1/?sp=2&q=whole+hog&r=-0.113,0.572,0.491,0.288,0
Here, “whole hog” is used in a political sense, emphasizing an all-or-nothing approach to negotiations and expectations.
1934
Our next example comes from the San Antonio Light out of Texas, in the Financial Edition from March 22, 1934.
Quote
GOES WHOLE HOG
Death Takes a Holiday was translated from Alberto Casella’s Italian by Walter Ferris, who has his charming Italians saying “By Jove!” and drinking “Cherrio!” toasts in a manner which American theater-goers have come to associate with polite English comedy.
The whole business is rather cerebral, with Death masquerading as a mysterious prince and expounding philosophically and at length on “the Beyond” to the other guests. He goes it whole hog or none in his mortal falseface, wining and dining and finally falling in love with the youngest and loveliest of the lady guests. At the final curtain he makes off with her, for what fell purpose the audience can only guess.
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn85060004/1934-03-22/ed-1/?sp=12&q=whole+hog&r=-0.105,0.601,0.42,0.246,0
The phrase is used figuratively to describe Death’s all-in approach to living, or pretending to live, while in disguise.
1942
Evening star (Washington, D.C.), February 18, 1942 they asked in the advice segment, “What is the Origin?”
Quote
I’ve searched in vain for the origin of the expression “To go the whole hog.” Can you give it to us?
Answer - The expression is very old in both England and America. One logical explanation of its origin is that for many centuries a slang term in England for a five shilling piece was “hog.” Says De Vere 1872. “It is but fair to presume that one gambler would go, as their slang suggests, a shilling, another a half crown, and a third would say, ‘I’ll go the whole hog,’ the whole piece of five shillings. Also persons who were willing to spend the whole coin would very naturally say, ‘I’ll go the whole hog.’
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1942-02-18/ed-1/?sp=40&q=whole+hog&r=-0.013,0.05,0.387,0.227,0
This “whole coin” origin is suggested by a 1942 advice column, but it’s really speculative… there’s no evidence linking the phrase’s meaning to currency. So until we find some other evidence, we will leave this one where it is… a historical theory.
We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses
2004
Whole Hog: Exploring the Extraordinary Potential of Pigs by Lyall Watson (Smithsonian Books, 2004)
Quote
Not all animals are created equal. For a start, pigs have it, sheep don't; that is, that special quality of intelligence, a sense of play, and a gregariousness that make these tragically misunderstood—yet no less endearing—creatures more like us than any other animal.
End quote
https://roundaboutbookstore.com/products/whole-hog-exploring-the-extraordinary-potential-of-pigs?variant=42448019259544&country=US¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOopxp1XSiNNo2CHJSILl4bxMjtSIi1o8MSlF5h80OttFutnpY-I1xjk
So, Whole Hog is not quite used as an idiom but as a celebration of the animal itself… exploring every facet of the pig’s intelligence, behavior, and cultural significance. The title still nods to the expression’s spirit, suggesting a deep and thorough exploration: going “whole hog” into understanding pigs in all their complexity and charm.
I personally love pigs. They are sweet and really cute.
2021
In 2021, the Whole Hog Bluegrass Band shared the song Whole Hog on Youtube. I don’t know what else to say except that it’s everything you might expect. They are great musicians. You have a full bass, banjo, guitar, and a fiddle... or violin - I still don’t know how to tell or maybe all violins are fiddles but not all fiddles are violins… But truly, they are talented and this instrumental piece feels like it tells a story. It’s definitely worth a listen.
https://youtu.be/p0ibfnZ1wQo?si=7RydemPBvc6Fz0gF
There is another song I’d like to discuss by The Mudd Club. The song Whole Hog was released in 2025. But we’re actually going to save this one for the behind the scenes segment which airs every Friday on patreon. That’s at patreon.com/bunnytrialspod.
2025
The Whole Hog Festival is a fundraising event held annually in Spring Hill, Tennessee for The Well Outreach. The title applies both a literal and playful use of the phrase. The event includes live music, vendors, a hog-riding machine called the Bucking Porkchop, a hog-calling competition and what appears to be a whole lot of good Tennessee fun.
Here is what their website says about their goals,
Quote
The Well Outreach believes no one should go hungry.
As a trusted food pantry in our community, we are committed to providing nutritious meals to families facing food insecurity. With your support, we can continue to serve those in need, ensuring that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to food and hope.
End quote
https://thewelloutreach.org/whole-hog-festival/
Doing some good things for the community and having fun. That’s great.
Current
Swine Curriculum Level 3: Going Whole Hog is offered by the National 4-H Council. Here is a little about the curriculum,
Quote
Advanced youth will plan a breeding system, judge breeding gilts, design a swine operation, complete a job application, explore career opportunities and international markets plus many other challenging activities.
End quote
https://shop4-h.org/products/swine-curriculum-3-going-whole-hog
Going Whole Hog is used as a clever play on words, merging the literal focus on swine with the idiomatic sense of total commitment. The title captures the spirit of the program, encouraging students to fully immerse themselves in advanced, hands-on learning about the swine industry.
Current
Whole Hog Cafe, a veteran-founded and veteran-owned restaurant based in Arkansas, brings regional barbecue styles together under one name and one philosophy… going “whole hog.”
Quote
Memphis… Kansas City… Carolina… Texas… Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, turkey and smoked sausage…
It all meets (or meats!) in Arkansas — THE EPICENTER OF AMERICAN BBQ!
As a veteran-founded, veteran-owned company, Whole Hog Cafe has been proudly serving Arkansas BBQ since 2000. We dry rub and slow smoke our meats fresh every day, using the same recipes and techniques that helped our founders earn World Champion status in competition barbecue in 2002.
End quote
https://www.wholehogcafe.com/
The name “Whole Hog Cafe” celebrates both tradition and total dedication. The phrase captures the restaurant’s all-encompassing approach to barbecue… honoring every style, every cut, and every bit of effort that goes into doing something completely and wholeheartedly.
Current
Whole Hog Beer, a craft brewery brand, takes the phrase “whole hog” as a badge of pride and philosophy.
Quote
WE ARE WHOLE HOG
We challenge ourselves to craft the biggest, boldest brews we can envision.
If it can be knocked up a notch, we knock twice.
These are next level brews – innovative and outstanding.
We throw everything we have into them and never save anything for the trip back.
End quote
https://wholehogbeer.com/
In this modern usage, “whole hog” captures the company’s spirit of total commitment and creativity. The phrase remains true to its original meaning… going all in, holding nothing back… now reimagined through the lens of bold flavor and craftsmanship. I’ve always enjoyed how passionate brewers are.
Current
Finally, here is a piece titled Whole Hog that comes from a post by Meat Church BBQ. This one uses the phrase but it’s just focused on cooking a whole hog. I felt we had to include at least something for those of you who were listening for cookout tips. Here is part of the post,
Quote
Building a cinder block pit to smoke a hog is taking whole hog cooking back to the old school methods. Honestly, as a BBQ nerd, there is nothing more rewarding than this entire process.
We hosted my buddy Michael Letchworth (partner at Sam Jones BBQ in Ayden, NC) to come to Texas and walk us through this process that the legendary Skylight Inn has employed since 1947.
End quote
https://www.meatchurch.com/blogs/recipes/whole-hog?srsltid=AfmBOopm1RwBswfbAGk9svm5A8lDcoU2cdawIZ5xFPgbhCB56UPeJI5T
They share photos of various stages, an ingredients list which lists the cinder blocks and all… as well as some photos of a hog that the squeamish might be less interested in seeing. The article also includes a link to a youtube video so you can see the process they followed in action.
Wrap up:
Go whole hog is a fun phrase. I think I should start using it more. It captures that full-throttle, all-in kind of energy… the moment when enthusiasm outweighs hesitation. Of course, not every situation calls for it; there’s value in pacing yourself and knowing when to hold back. But sometimes, when the timing is right and the spark hits, it’s worth it to throw yourself in completely… to go the whole hog and enjoy every bit of it.
Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com
Dan:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons: Which of these less-traditional hobbies would you be interested in trying?
The winner was Urban Exploration, followed by a tie between conlanging and soap carving. Rounding out the end were competitive eating and extreme ironing.
Jan said:
Quote
My metabolism couldn’t handle it, but competitive eating sounds nice. I’d never win, but think of all the cool foods to try!
End Quote
Cheryl added:
Quote
I chose Competitive Ironing. I have never heard of it! But it’s also close to my current hobbies of sewing and crafting.
End Quote
Shauna:
JGP shared
Quote
None of them really sound like something I'd do. I picked soap carving as the most likely
End quote
Heather shared,
Quote
I follow this word podcast, and several others, so conlanging is the obvious choice (I even have a book about the history of conlangs, I find them fascinating)
End quote
I love trying new things… and aside from the competitive eating and extreme ironing, these all appeal to me.
Dan:
I like hiking, so I think urban exploration would be the best fit for me. I have also done some whittling in my day, so maybe I'd try soap carving. I don't love ironing in the best of locations, and while I enjoy eating I don't think I'd want to do it as a sport. Conlanging is cool and I played around with Kilngon back in the 90s. But it might be a bit over my head to create a new language.
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!
Outro
Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
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