What does "pulling" mean in the context of pulled pork?

In the context of pulled pork, "pulling" refers specifically to shredding the cooked pork into strands. This process typically occurs after slow cooking the pork, often from a cut like pork shoulder, which becomes tender enough to easily be shredded with forks or by hand. The long cooking time allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a delicious, tender meat that can be pulled apart, creating the recognizable strands of pork.

This method of preparation is integral to the dish, as the shredded texture allows for the meat to mingle well with sauces and seasonings, contributing to the overall flavor and experience of pulled pork. It's a distinct process that contrasts with methods like slicing, cubing, or wrapping, which have different implications for texture and serving style.