What does piggishly mean?
Piggishly means in a greedy, selfish, or voracious manner, especially when describing someone who takes more than their share or consumes resources with an unapologetic appetite. The adverb draws on the familiar image of a pig as a greedy animal, making it more vivid and morally disapproving than a neutral description such as greedily. It can describe literal eating, but it is also commonly used figuratively for companies, people, or institutions that hoard resources, monopolize opportunities, or behave selfishly. The word is relatively uncommon and generally sounds literary, formal, or sharply critical rather than conversational. Its force comes from combining the plain meaning of greed with a memorable animal comparison, suggesting both appetite and a lack of consideration for others.
adverbIn a greedy, selfish, or mean manner; with the voracious appetite associated with pigs.
- In a greedy, selfish, or voracious manner.
"The corporation consumed the remaining resources piggishly, leaving nothing for anyone else."
"The hungry children devoured the cake piggishly."
"He guarded his portion of the food piggishly, refusing to share even with his friends."
Piggishly captures the particular unpleasantness of someone who not only takes too much but does so with an unapologetic, greedy appetite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of piggishly
Piggishly is formed from the adjective piggish, which combines pig with the suffix -ish to suggest behaviour resembling that of a pig. The underlying word pig is inherited from Old English, while the -ish formation developed in English as a way of creating descriptive adjectives. The adverb was then formed by adding -ly, preserving the same evaluative sense of greedy or selfish behaviour.
Related word forms
How piggishly is actually used
Piggishly is relatively uncommon and has a strongly evaluative, often literary or figurative tone. It is usually more emphatic than simply saying greedily or selfishly.
Easily confused with piggishly
Piggish is the adjective describing greediness or selfish voracity, while piggishly is the adverb describing how someone acts in that manner.