What does hogget mean?
A hogget is a young male sheep that has been castrated before reaching breeding age. The word can refer either to the animal itself or, more commonly in menus and food discussions, to its meat. Hogget meat is valued for being tender, flavorful, and relatively fine-grained compared with meat from older sheep. It may be roasted, grilled, or barbecued and is sometimes described simply as hogget or hogget mutton. The term is chiefly used in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, although it is also encountered in other English-speaking countries. In older usage, the word referred specifically to a ram castrated while still young; modern definitions may sometimes use it more broadly for a young sheep or its meat. It is an uncommon term in everyday American English, where lamb and mutton are more usual labels.
nounA young male sheep that has been castrated before breeding age. The term can also refer to the meat of such a sheep.
- A young ram castrated before it reaches breeding age.
- The meat of a hogget, also known as hogget mutton.
"The restaurant served slow-roasted hogget with seasonal vegetables."
"The farmer bought a young hogget from the neighboring property."
"Barbecued hogget was the centerpiece of the summer gathering."
The regular plural is used for both the animals and, in culinary contexts, portions or kinds of the meat.
"The farmer raised a flock of hoggets on the open hillside."
Hogget is a traditional word for tender young mutton, valued for its finer texture and rich flavor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hogget
Hogget was formed in the late 16th century as a diminutive of “hog,” using the suffix “-et.” Its early sense referred to a young sheep castrated before breeding age. The ultimate historical origin of “hog” is less certain, but the relationship between the two English words is clear.
How hogget is actually used
The word is most familiar in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. In some regional usage, particularly in Australia, it also has a more specific culinary meaning associated with the meat of young sheep.