Grunting is a low, guttural sound often produced by humans and animals. It can occur during physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects or exercising, as a way to exert effort or express discomfort. In animals, grunting can serve various purposes, including communication, signaling distress, or establishing territory. In some sports, like weightlifting or powerlifting, athletes may grunt to enhance their performance by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This sound can also be heard in certain animal species, such as pigs or hippos, where it plays a role in social interactions or mating displays.