Hankered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the late 19th century, with roots in the Middle Dutch word 'hancoren,' meaning to hang or cling to something.
• Its development reflects a sense of longing, resembling how one might 'hang on' to thoughts or desires.

Cultural References

• In American literature, the term is often used to express deep emotional yearning, like in Mark Twain's works.
• Hankering is a common theme in folk and blues songs, portraying desires for love, freedom, or home.

Psychology

• The feeling of hankering can be linked to unmet needs, often correlating with motivations and personal aspirations.
• Hankering can evoke both positive feelings (for goals) and negative feelings (for lost opportunities) in individuals.

Everyday Life

• People often use 'hankering' colloquially to describe cravings for foods, like a specific flavor or dish they miss.
• The term helps express not just casual wants but deeper emotional connections to experiences or memories.

Pop Culture

• Hankering appears in various pop songs conveying intense longing, reflecting personal and relatable experiences.
• Television shows often depict characters hankering for adventure or romance, highlighting common human desires.

Ranking #36,799, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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