There are many times when someone says or does something that is extremely manner less. Perhaps they are eating in a way that uncouth or perhaps they are making low brow comments. In some cases their personality or their manner of behavior are what’s in question.
If you are looking for a phrase that expresses your displeasure, there are a few choice sayings that you can use. In this case, the phrase “uncultured swine” comes to mind.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The term “uncultured swine” is used to refer to someone who does not understand a specific reference, person, situation, etc. They are often referred to as people who “live under a rock” for not understanding something that seemingly everyone else knows.
They are often viewed as dumb or ignorant, or as outcasts from society for not knowing basic societal knowledge. It is also used by rich or upper class people who refer to those below them who have a different set of manners. It is usually derogatory in nature.
“Uncultured swine” is most commonly used to refer to people who specifically do not understand a pop culture reference, including certain movies, music, or memes. If someone misunderstands a certain situation or reference, they may also be referred to as an “uncultured swine”. This phrase is used most often by teenagers and young adults. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“I can’t believe you’ve never heard of Taylor Swift! Uncultured swine.”
“You don’t know what Pirates of the Caribbean is? You uncultured swine.”
“You’ve never seen Star Wars? Uncultured swine.”
“You uncultured swine, you don’t know who Beyonce is?”
“How have you never heard of Stranger Things, you uncultured swine?”
Origin
The first Toy Story film was released on November 22, 1995, by Walt Disney Pictures. In the movie, the character Mr. Potato Head calls another character, Hamm, an “uncultured swine” for not knowing who Picasso is. This is particularly fitting as Hamm is a toy pig, which is where the “swine” part of the phrase comes from.
The phrase became popular on the Internet because of the movie, and it was quickly seen all over various social media platforms. A notable post on Facebook where the poster referred to someone as an “uncultured swine” for changing the music in their gym from popular rock band Aerosmith to the more-modern, pop singer Fergie was one of the first known uses of the term on a social media platform. This post gained traction on Facebook and was quickly shared all over Reddit, where the phrase continued to grow in popularity. Today, merchandise like shirts and mugs with this saying on it can be found for sale in countless places online, including popular retail site Amazon.
Phrases Similar to Uncultured Swine
- Idiot/foolish/dumb/etc.
- Living under a rock
- Out of the loop
- Clueless/ignorant
Phrases Opposite to Uncultured Swine
- Know-it-all
- Smart/intelligent
- In the know
- Cultured
- Hip/cool
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Uncultured swine” is, itself, the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Uncultured Swine
“Uncultured swine” refers to someone who does not understand certain references, situations, people, etc. Calling someone an “uncultured swine” when you are complimenting their intelligence, or if they do actually understand a certain reference, would be incorrect. Some ways “uncultured swine” is used incorrectly are:
- You know who Justin Timberlake is? You uncultured swine!
- You’ve seen The Mandalorian? Uncultured swine!
- I can’t believe you know who Prince is! Uncultured swine.
- I’m so happy you’ve seen Friends, you uncultured swine!
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Uncultured Swine
- You uncultured swine, you don’t know what LOL means?
- You’ve never seen Frozen? Uncultured swine.
- I don’t know why they invited the lawyer, he is nothing more than uncultured swine.
- How do you not know who Freddie Mercury is? You’re an uncultured swine.
- No way you’ve never seen a Twilight Uncultured swine.