Pigs collectively, especially domestic pigs; also used as a derogatory term for a contemptible person.
From Old English 'swīn', related to Old Norse 'svín' and German 'Schwein', all from Proto-Germanic 'swīną'. The word has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years and shares roots with Latin 'sus' (pig).
Unlike most farm animals whose meat has different names (beef for cow, pork for pig), 'swine' serves as both the animal and occasionally the meat name. The phrase 'casting pearls before swine' from the Bible helped establish the metaphorical use of swine for people who can't appreciate valuable things.
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