"Pig friends and dog companions" is a derogatory idiom. Literally, it means friends like pigs and dogs, and it is used as a metaphor for friends of bad character who do not engage in honest work and only seek pleasure, eat and drink, or commit misdeeds. This idiom comes from A Dream of Red Mansions. In traditional culture, pigs and dogs are often regarded as symbols of laziness, filth, and lowliness. Therefore, when "pig friends and dog companions" is used to describe friends, it carries a strong sense of contempt and criticism. It is mostly used to accuse someone of making bad friends, or to describe members of a small group who collude with one another and do nothing proper. For example, when a person picks up bad habits or goes astray by following friends, elders or bystanders will use this idiom to criticize him. In terms of emotional coloring, it expresses disgust toward and rejection of such friends, and also implies regret or blame for the person's poor judgment in making friends. It should be noted that this idiom has a relatively strong tone and is usually used in informal situations. It is not suitable for formal documents or for use toward elders or superiors.
📝 Example
1. He spends all day hanging around with those fair-weather friends, either drinking or gambling, and has squandered the family fortune. (Referring to friends of bad character who only lead one astray.)
2. You should be careful of those bad influences, who will only drag you into skipping classes and getting into fights, and will not have any good influence on you. (Referring to friends with bad behavior who may lead one to make mistakes.)