This idiom means to do something thoroughly or completely, without holding back, as if consuming an entire hog rather than just part. It conveys all-out commitment or extravagance, often used in personal, professional, or recreational contexts to describe full effort. The phrase carries a tone of enthusiasm, excess, or decisiveness, reflecting cultural values of thoroughness and the human tendency to go all-in. Its culinary imagery evokes a hearty feast, resonating in scenarios like projects or celebrations. The idiom celebrates completeness, making it a robust metaphor for unrestrained action.

The phrase likely originated in 18th-century America, possibly tied to butchers selling whole hogs or rural feasts, as noted in colonial diaries. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The New York Times* (1820s), describing lavish spending. The idiom gained traction in the 19th century, amplified by Mark Twain’s *Huckleberry Finn* (1884) for reckless excess. Its spread was boosted by 20th-century media, especially in the U.S., for its vivid imagery and applicability to full commitment, with some use in the U.K. and Australia.