Hankie: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

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• 38437 clangour
• 38438 soppy
• 38439 unarguable
• 38440 hankie
• 38441 bunking
• 38442 hotchpotch
• 38443 verboten
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