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Hackle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hackle

[หˆhรฆkษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal anatomy

Hackles are the long, stiff feathers along the neck of a bird, particularly noticeable in males during mating displays. They can also refer to the hair on the back of an animal's neck that stands upright when it is threatened or excited.

Synonyms

feathers, fur, hair.

Examples of usage

  • The rooster's hackles rose as it prepared to fight.
  • The dog's hackles were raised when it sensed danger.
  • Birdwatchers admired the vibrant hackles of the peacock.
Context #2 | Verb

raise/show emotion

To hackle means to raise the hackles, indicating a state of agitation or excitement, typically used in reference to animals. It can also refer to being on guard or ready to defend oneself.

Synonyms

bristle, rise, stand up.

Examples of usage

  • The cat hackled as it faced the approaching dog.
  • He could feel his hackles hackling at the unexpected criticism.
  • She felt her hackles rise when she heard the news.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Birds raise their hackles to appear larger when threatened, part of their defense mechanism.
  • The hackles contain muscles that can contract or relax quickly, making them stand up or lie flat.
  • Certain species, like roosters, have particularly prominent hackles that add to their colorful appearances.

Cultural References

  • The imagery of hackles being raised is metaphorically used to describe someone getting angry or defensive.
  • In literature, describing a characterโ€™s hackles can create tension and build suspense, especially in animal stories.
  • Hackles are often depicted in folklore and fairy tales, where animals exhibit bravery through their raised feathers.

Psychology

  • The physical response of raising hackles in animals is linked to a stress response similar to 'fight or flight' in humans.
  • Understanding animal behavior, such as the raising of hackles, can help interpret feelings and reactions in various species.
  • This instinctual behavior showcases the survival mechanisms that are conserved across many animal types.

Pop Culture

  • Hackles are often referenced in movies and stories to signify a character's fear or a dramatic moment, enhancing emotional engagement.
  • Animated films often exaggerate the raising of hackles in cartoons to make characters seem comically scared.
  • Popular games use hackles as a feature for in-game animals to show alertness or aggression.

Origin of 'hackle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'hakele', referring to a part of a bird.
  • Its roots trace further back to the Old Norse term 'hวซkkr', which means to 'grab' or 'hook', describing how the feathers stand up.
  • Related terms in other languages, such as in Swedish 'hacke', also reference bird anatomy.

The term 'hackle' originates from Middle English 'haccle' or 'hackyl', which was derived from the Old English 'hรฆcce', meaning a feather or crest. It refers historically to the long feathers that adorn the necks of certain bird species, particularly during mating rituals or displays of dominance. The word has been associated with raised fur or feathers since the medieval period, where it conveyed the idea of a creature presenting itself in a more intimidating posture. In the 19th century, the vernacular expanded to include the connotation of being on alert, embodying the defensive stance seen in animals when they feel threatened. This evolution of usage shows a clear connection to both the physical characteristics of animals and their emotional responses.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,962, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.