Why is the hog line called the hog line?

The hog line in curling is named for the term "hog," which refers to a stone that does not reach the designated line during play. Historically, the term may have originated from the practice of using a hog to indicate where stones needed to be delivered. If a stone fails to cross the hog line, it is considered out of play and removed from the game. Thus, the hog line serves as a crucial marker for the validity of a thrown stone.