Hock: meaning, definitions and examples

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hock

[hɒk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

body part

The term 'hock' refers to the joint in the hind leg of a quadruped, such as a horse or dog. It is comparable to the ankle in humans and is often associated with the ability to jump or pivot. Athletes in certain sports may experience hock injuries, which can affect their performance. Understanding the anatomy of the hock is important for veterinarians and animal trainers alike.

Synonyms

ankle, joint.

Examples of usage

The horse injured its hock while jumping.
Veterinarians often check the hock for signs of swelling.
Proper training can help prevent hock injuries in dogs.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

hit or strike

To 'hock' something means to hit or strike it with force, often in a playful or rough manner. This usage can be heard in various contexts, including sports or informal interactions. The action of hocking something typically connotes a sudden movement, and while it can be playful, it might also imply a degree of aggression.

Synonyms

hit, strike, whack.

Examples of usage

He hocked the ball across the field.
She hocked the door open with her foot.
The dog hocked the stick, making everyone laugh.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Hock' comes from the Middle English word 'hok,' which means 'ham' or 'joint' and relates to the word we use for the back leg of animals.
The term has been used since the late 14th century to describe the disjointed part of legs.
In the context of hock joints, the term connects to both animals and culinary references, like 'hock of ham.'

Anatomy

In horses, the hock joint is crucial for jumping and running, impacting performance in sports like show jumping.
The hock is a complex joint that allows for both flexibility and strength in animals, essential for movement.
Common issues in hocks include injuries or arthritis, which can affect an animal's mobility significantly.

Culinary

Hock often refers to a specific cut of meat from the joint of a pig’s leg, used in dishes like ham hocks or split pea soup.
The hock is prized in cooking for its flavor and is commonly used in slow-cooked recipes where the meat becomes tender and savory.
In various cuisines, hocks are smoked or cured, lending depth to many hearty stews and soups.

Pop Culture

The term 'hock' appears in various slang forms and expressions, often indicating something of low value or quality.
In sports, 'hocking' can colloquially refer to a strong kick used to propel a ball, linking back to the power of the hind leg.
Hocks are often featured in farm-related media, showcasing their role in animal husbandry and agriculture.

Translations

Translations of the word "hock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gancho

🇮🇳 हॉक

🇩🇪 Haken

🇮🇩 hook

🇺🇦 гачок

🇵🇱 hak

🇯🇵 フック

🇫🇷 crochet

🇪🇸 gancho

🇹🇷 kanca

🇰🇷 후크

🇸🇦 خطاف

🇨🇿 háček

🇸🇰 háčik

🇨🇳 钩

🇸🇮 kavelj

🇮🇸 krokkur

🇰🇿 қапсырма

🇬🇪 ხუკი

🇦🇿 qarmaq

🇲🇽 gancho

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,613, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26610 streamer
26611 hypnotism
26612 transiently
26613 hock
26614 steadier
26615 feathering
26616 redrawn
...