Hawked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hawked
[hɔkt ]
Definitions
selling goods
To hawk means to sell goods aggressively in public spaces. This often involves calling out to passersby to attract their attention. It can also imply a certain level of persistence in trying to sell something. The term originated from the practice of street vendors who would shout out their wares to entice customers.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He hawked newspapers on the corner.
- They hawked handmade crafts at the market.
- She hawked her homemade cookies at the fair.
promoting aggressively
In a broader sense, to hawk can also refer to promoting or advocating for something in a forceful manner. This can apply to ideas, services, or products where the seller tries to engage potential customers by being very vocal and proactive.
Synonyms
advertise, promote, push, tout.
Examples of usage
- The politicians hawked their policies during the campaign.
- They hawked the new software at the tech conference.
- She hawked her book on social media.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'hawked'
The word 'hawk' has its origins in the Old English 'hafoc', which referred to a bird of prey like a hawk. The verb form ‘to hawk’ as in to sell is believed to have developed from the association of hawking goods in a manner similar to how hawks hunt for prey. Over time, this word evolved to encompass both the act of selling physical items in public spaces as well as aggressively promoting services or ideas. The usage of 'hawk' in a commercial context can be traced back to the late 19th century in America, where street vendors would hawk their goods by loudly advertising them, very much like a hawk calling out to its target. This duality of meaning highlights a blend of nature and commerce in language, showcasing how linguistic evolution is intertwined with socio-economic activities.