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Hankie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hankie

[ˈhæŋki ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

handkerchief

A hankie, commonly referred to as a handkerchief, is a piece of cloth or paper that is used for wiping the face, hands, or eyes. Traditionally, it is made of cotton or linen and is often carried in a pocket or purse. It can be used for various personal hygiene purposes, including blowing one's nose, and is sometimes used as a fashion accessory. In some cultures, a decorative hankie may also serve as a symbol of affection or elegance.

Synonyms

handkerchief, kerchief, napkin, tissue.

Examples of usage

  • He pulled out a hankie to wipe his brow.
  • She always carries a silk hankie in her purse.
  • The child blew his nose into a bright-colored hankie.
  • During the ceremony, guests waved their hankies in celebration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Use

  • In the past, people used hankies not only for personal hygiene but also as an accessory in formal dress.
  • During the Victorian era, people often used colored or embroidered hankies to express social class and personal style.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and shows, the handkerchief often symbolizes love and longing, like in romantic gestures.
  • Comedians may use a hankie to emphasize a funny moment, showing the versatile use of this little cloth.

Psychology

  • Using a cloth can provide comfort and security in stressful situations, much like a comfort object.
  • The act of wiping tears or sweat can serve as a calming ritual, helping in emotional regulation.

Literature

  • Hankies often appear in literature as symbols of hope or a marker of personal sentiment, especially in romantic contexts.
  • In some classic stories, a kerchief serves as a plot device, representing a lost love or a promise.

Origin of 'hankie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'hanchier,' meaning 'to cover or wrap.'
  • The term evolved in the 16th century, originally referring to a cloth used for wrapping things.

The word 'hankie' is a diminutive form derived from the term 'handkerchief', which itself traces its origins back to Middle French and Old French. The French term 'couverchief' originally referred to a cloth used to cover the head. As the item evolved, it became associated with personal grooming and sanitation. The transformation of 'couverchief' to 'handkerchief' occurred in Middle English, where the word began to denote a cloth for the hands. The shortening and alteration of 'handkerchief' to 'hankie' likely reflects the informal, everyday use of the item, making it a popular term in modern vernacular.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,440, 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.