Hogtie

Hogtying is a method of tying the limbs together, rendering the 'hogtied' immobile. Originally, it applied to pigs; now it can also be applied to human bondage and a method for subduing individuals sometimes employed by the police. It applies figuratively to an instance where a person has said or done something which has unpleasant consequences, and from which they are unable to escape.

The hogtie, in the practice of sexual bondage, typically has the person that is being tied lay down flat on the belly, with the ankles and wrists tied together behind the back of the person. The hogtie used on pigs and cattle has the limbs tied in front.

It should be noted that there is a risk of postural asphyxia in this position, in addition to the normal risks of restraint.

A very nasty, and very lethal form of hogtie was and is used as a form of torture: The hands are tied behind the back and the feet are tied together, with one end of the rope around the victims neck. The tension of the legs pulling on the neckrope can only be lifted for a limited period of time by using the muscles in the back, breast and belly. When those muscles get tired, the victim strangles him/herself. This is sometimes referred to as the "Italian rope trick" and has been used by the Mafia.