The hogtie is a method of tying the limbs together, rendering the subject immobile and helpless. Originally, it was applied to pigs (hence the name) and other young four-legged animals.[1]
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The hogtie when used on pigs and cattle has the limbs tied in front; it is not possible to tie them behind without harming the animal. When performed on a human, however, a hogtie is any position that results in the arms and legs being bound, both tied behind the person and then connecting the hands and feet.
A particularly dangerous variation of the hogtie has been used to torture and kill its victim: the hands are tied behind the back and the feet are tied together, with one end of the rope around the victim's neck. The tension on the neck-rope can only be relieved if the victim keeps their neck, back and legs arched; eventually, the victim tires and strangles.[2]
The term may also apply figuratively to an instance where a person has said or done something which has unpleasant consequences, and from which they are unable to escape.
