What does swill mean?
Swill has two broad meanings, both connected with liquid and discarded material. As a noun, it refers to liquid waste, food scraps mixed with liquid, or a thin mixture of kitchen refuse traditionally used to feed pigs. The expression 'pig swill' is especially established, although the word can sound old-fashioned in modern contexts. As a verb, swill means to vomit, and by extension it can describe the discharge of liquid waste from a container or place. Its uses range from practical descriptions of farm waste to informal, vivid descriptions of someone being ill. The word is useful because it names both a familiar kind of animal feed and, in colloquial speech, an unpleasant physical act. Although modern speakers often prefer terms such as 'food scraps,' 'slops,' or 'vomit,' swill remains recognizable and distinctive.
Liquid or semi-liquid waste, especially food scraps mixed with liquid; also, a mixture of kitchen refuse used as animal feed.
"The farmer fed the pigs the kitchen swill."
The phrase 'pig swill' is especially common. In British English, the noun is also used broadly for kitchen scraps or leftovers.
To vomit; to pour or discharge liquid waste.
"He swillled into the basin after feeling violently ill."
The sense meaning 'to vomit' is informal and more common in British English; the sense meaning 'to pour or discharge liquid' is formal or technical.
The plural is used when referring to separate quantities or types of liquid waste or food mixtures.
"The farmer emptied the swills into separate buckets."
The word that describes pigs' leftovers is also an old-fashioned word for what someone brings up after a bad night.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does swill come from?
The word descends from Old English and ultimately from a Germanic root associated with washing, flowing liquid, or rinsing. Its older sense referred to liquid used for washing and to a liquid mixture, including animal food. The verb meaning 'to vomit' developed through the idea of expelling liquid. Related forms include the Germanic-rooted word 'swill' in other forms and 'swallow', though the precise historical relationship is more extensive than a simple modern cognate set.
Related word forms
How swill is actually used
The noun is common in both British and American English, although it is especially associated with agricultural and traditional household contexts. The verb meaning 'to vomit' is informal and more common in British English.
Easily confused with swill
Swill means liquid waste, food scraps, or the act of vomiting, whereas skill refers to an ability to do something well.
Swill means waste liquid or food scraps, while swell can mean to expand or rise in size.