What does hogged mean?
Hogged is the past tense and past participle of hog, a verb meaning to take or monopolize more than a fair share. People hog attention, conversation, a road, a seat, or any other limited resource, so the word frequently implies selfishness, rudeness, or an unwillingness to share. Its figurative use reflects the perceived greed of the animal from which hog is derived. Hogged can also function as an adjective meaning greedy or excessively acquisitive, although this use is less common than the participial one. The expression is especially familiar from phrases such as hogging the spotlight or the limelight. In journalism, criticism, and everyday conversation, hogged conveys not merely that someone possessed something, but that they occupied it disproportionately and deprived others of access.
To take or monopolize an excessive amount of space, time, attention, or another resource, preventing others from having a fair share.
"The car hogged the narrow lane and left the cyclists no room to pass."
Hogged is the past tense and past participle of hog. It commonly expresses disapproval or mild criticism.
Greedy or selfishly acquisitive; having an excessive desire to possess or consume something.
"The child was hogged for sweets before the party began."
This adjective use is less common than the verb form and may sound old-fashioned or regionally marked.
Hogging the spotlight is hogged in action: taking more than your fair share of attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hogged
Hogged is formed from hog with the regular past-tense and past-participle ending -ed. Hog comes through Middle English from Old English hocga, an Old English word for a swine. Related forms occur in other Germanic languages, including Old Norse hogg, Old Frisian hog, and Middle Dutch hogge; the word's deeper prehistoric ancestry is known, although proposed links to non-Germanic roots remain uncertain.
Related word forms
How hogged is actually used
The verb form is common in informal and semi-formal English and often carries a mildly critical or humorous tone. The adjective sense is less common and can sound old-fashioned or regionally marked.