Hokey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• The phrase 'hokey pokey' is a popular children's song and dance that encourages interaction and silliness.
• Many holiday movies often include hokey elements to create feel-good, sentimental moments, especially around Christmas.

Psychology

• People often find 'hokey' things comforting because they evoke nostalgia and childhood memories.
• The use of hokey humor can strengthen social bonds, as friends share silly jokes that might be seen as not very cool.

Literature

• In literature, 'hokey' plots or characters are sometimes used to create a comic effect or criticize something overly sentimental.
• Classic novels often use 'hokey' stereotypes to highlight societal issues, making characters appear exaggerated for effect.

Entertainment

• Many sitcoms and comedies utilize hokey jokes or scenarios to elicit laughs, using exaggerated actions or clichés.
• Hokey magic shows feature tricks that rely on corny humor and stage theatrics, making them entertaining while being lighthearted.

Main points about word origin

• The term 'hokey' likely comes from the American slang term 'hokum,' which means nonsense.
• Its first known use dates back to the early 20th century, usually associated with theatrical performances that were seen as trivial.

The word 'hockey' has uncertain origins, but it is believed to have derived from the French word 'hoquet', which means 'shepherd's stick'. There are various theories about how the game evolved; some suggest it traces back to several stick-and-ball games played across Europe in the medieval period. The modern form of the game began to take shape in England in the 18th century, where it became formally codified in the 19th century. Ice hockey, a variation that emerged later, gained immense popularity in North America. The establishment of organized leagues and international competitions contributed significantly to its growth and the term 'hockey' became widely recognized by the 20th century. Today, it remains a beloved sport enjoyed by millions around the world.

Ranking #37,611, 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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• 37610 communicatively
• 37611 hokey
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