Law enforcement officials in Spokane, Washington, have objected to the use of the word ‘hogtie’ to describe the technique of binding a suspect’s hands and feet behind his back. They feel the word is demeaning and inaccurate and prefer that Spokane County residents use the term “hobbling” or “restrained” instead.

Personally I think it’s a simple case of semantics. ‘Restrained’ is far too broad a term, and maybe it’s just me, but I find the term ‘hobble’ more demeaning and inaccurate than the term ‘hogtie’.

hogtie: 1. to tie the four feet or the hands and feet of; 2. to make incapable of effective action, as if by tying up.

hobble: 1. to cause to limp : make lame : CRIPPLE 2. to fasten together the legs of (as a horse) to prevent straying

Just to clarify… When a policeman ties his girlfriend up like this, it is called hogtieing and it is meant to be demeaning, but when he restrains a suspect like this, it’s NOT called hogtieing and it’s NOT demeaning. Any questions?

NOTE: The ball gag is optional in both cases.

Source: SpokesmanReview.com

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