Definition

Noun: 1. A type of fish: A common name for several species of fish, particularly those in the family Clupeidae, such as menhaden. These are small, oily, schooling fish often used for bait, fish oil, or fertilizer. 2. Slang term for welfare money: Informal and chiefly North American slang for money received from the state, especially government assistance or welfare payments.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fish):
  • The fishermen caught a large school of pogy to use as bait.
  • Pogy are a crucial part of the marine food chain.
• Noun (Slang: Welfare):
  • He was living on pogy after he lost his job. (Informal, potentially derogatory)
  • The derogatory term "pogy" for welfare is considered offensive by many.

Advanced Usage

• The slang usage for welfare money is considered dated, informal, and often pejorative. It is important to understand the potentially offensive connotation when encountering this term in historical or colloquial contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Menhadden (n): A specific type of pogy fish (), highly valued for its oil.
• Bunker (n): Another regional name for the menhaden fish.
• Mossbunker (n): A less common variant name for the same fish.

Synonyms

• For the fish: menhaden, bunker, fatback, alewife.
• For welfare money (slang): the dole, benefits, assistance, aid. (Note: These synonyms vary in formality and connotation.)

Notes on Meaning

The two meanings of "pogy" are entirely distinct and unrelated. The primary, non-slang meaning refers to a fish. The secondary, slang meaning is a specific cultural reference to state welfare payments. Context is critical for determining which meaning is intended. The fish meaning is neutral, while the welfare meaning is informal and carries a negative social stigma.

Noun

1. money received from the state