Go Whole Hog

The Definition

To do something as completely, thoroughly, or extravagantly as possible; to hold nothing back and commit to a course of action without reservation.

The Deep Dive

The "junk knowledge" behind "go the whole hog" is that etymologists still argue over whether the "hog" in question is a farm animal or a piece of pocket change. The phrase likely gained its modern traction in 19th-century America, but its roots are a transatlantic tangle.

The Currency Theory: In 17th and 18th-century Ireland and England, a "hog" was slang for a shilling (and in early America, sometimes a ten-cent piece). To "spend the whole hog" meant you weren't just buying a small item; you were spending the entire coin on one big purchase. This fits the "all or nothing" nature of the idiom perfectly.
The "Dirty" Butcher Theory: Others argue the phrase is more literal, stemming from Islamic or Jewish dietary laws. The story goes that if one is tempted to eat a "small piece" of forbidden pork, they might as well "go the whole hog" since the transgression is already committed. This was popularized in a 1779 poem by William Cowper titled The Love of the World Reproved, where he describes people debating which part of the hog is permitted before someone finally decides to eat the whole thing.
The Butcher's Yard: In a more practical sense, "going the whole hog" meant a butcher or family was processing the entire animal at once rather than just taking the choice cuts. It was a massive, all-consuming task that required total commitment.

The phrase reached peak "junk" status in the 1830's when it became a political slogan in the United States. Supporters of Andrew Jackson who were uncompromising in their loyalty were called "Whole-Hoggers," cementing the phrase as a badge of unwavering (if sometimes reckless) dedication.

Fast Facts

Davy Crockett’s Stamp of Approval: The legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett is often credited with helping popularize the phrase in his writings, using it to describe people who took their political or personal convictions to the absolute limit.
The British Rival: In the UK, a similar sentiment is often expressed as "Go the whole nine yards," though that phrase has its own separate (and equally debated) origin story involving everything from ammunition belts to fabric lengths.
The "Hog" as a Unit: While we use "hog" generically, in the 19th century, a "whole hog" was a specific commitment of resources. Processing a 200-pound animal meant nothing could be wasted, leading to the phrase "everything but the squeal."

References

Cowper, W. (1779). The Love of the World Reproved; or, Hypocrisy Detected.
Ammer, C. (2013). The Dictionary of Clichés. Skyhorse Publishing.
Flexner, S. B. (1982). Listening to America. Simon & Schuster.

Go Whole Hog

The Definition

The Deep Dive

Fast Facts

References

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