Hocked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hocked
[hÉ’kt ]
Definition
informal usage
Hocked refers to something that is pledged as collateral, typically used in the context of loans or pawnbroking. It indicates that an item has been sold or is under lien in exchange for cash.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He hocked his watch to pay for rent.
- She found herself in a bind and had to get hocked for some quick cash.
- After the bad investment, he hocked all his valuables.
- The musician hocked his guitar to cover his bills.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In sports like basketball and soccer, players might say someone got 'hocked' when they are tackled or trapped.
- The term also applies in sports equipment, where gear is sometimes 'hocked' to enhance performance.
- In fishing, when a fish is 'hocked,' it means it is caught on the hook securely.
Psychology
- The feeling of being 'hocked' can relate to being trapped in a situation, which might cause stress or anxiety.
- In therapy, discussing feelings of being 'hocked' can help individuals explore their emotions about feeling stuck.
- It often symbolizes a lack of control, which can affect mental well-being.
Literature
- In various literary works, characters can be described as 'hocked' in their circumstances, portraying deep emotional struggles.
- Some poets use 'hocked' to illustrate themes of confinement and longing for freedom.
- The imagery of being 'hocked' is prevalent in stories that deal with overcoming adversity.
Technology
- In the tech world, 'hocked' can describe devices that are locked or secured by software.
- Users often feel 'hocked' when encountering obstacles in tech, like a forgotten password or locked files.
- The term can also apply to equipment that is secured or pledged against loans in technology markets.
Origin of 'hocked'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Middle English, derived from the term 'hocken,' which means to grasp.
- It was originally associated with the act of 'hocking' something as to pledge or pawn it.
- The term has evolved over time, particularly in specific dialects where it describes the action of catching.
The word 'hocked' is derived from the term 'hock', which comes from the Old English 'hoc' meaning the 'hock joint' of the leg or knee of an animal, referring to a particular position that an object may take. Over time, 'hock' evolved in usage, particularly in the context of pawning or forfeiting an item in exchange for money. The general concept behind hocking is tied to the idea of risking possession for financial gain, transforming in the English lexicon to imply that one is temporarily giving up ownership of an asset. This usage gained traction in the 19th century, reflecting societal trends of borrowing and financial exchanges.