Pig in a poke facts for kids

A pig in a poke. Whist, whist by Samuel William Fores, 1788

The phrase "pig in a poke" is an old English idiom. It means buying something without looking at it first. It's like a trick where you don't know what you're really getting.

Imagine someone offers you something for sale. If they don't let you see it properly, or if they hide its true value, that's a "pig in a poke." It means you might buy something that isn't what the seller said it was.

What Does "Pig in a Poke" Mean?

This idiom describes a situation where you make a deal without knowing all the facts. It's like a "blind bargain." You agree to buy something, but you haven't checked it carefully.

Understanding the Deception

The "deception" part means someone is trying to trick you. They might try to sell you something that looks good on the outside. But inside, it's not as valuable or useful as they claim.

Examples of a Blind Bargain

• Buying a mystery box without knowing what's inside.
• Agreeing to a job without knowing what the tasks are.
• Purchasing an item online without seeing clear pictures or descriptions.

History of the Phrase

The saying "pig in a poke" started a long time ago. People first used it in the Middle Ages. This was a time when people often bought and sold goods at markets.

Selling Animals in "Pokes"

Back then, it was common to sell small animals or meat in cloth bags. These bags were called "pokes." A "poke" was just a sack or a bag.

The Trick with the Poke

Sometimes, buyers would simply buy the "poke" without looking inside. They trusted the seller. But some dishonest sellers would put something else in the bag. Instead of a valuable pig, they might put in a less valuable animal, like a cat.

So, someone who thought they were buying a pig might open their "poke" and find a cat! This is how the phrase came to mean being tricked. It's about what happens when you don't check what you're buying or selling.