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Honked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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honked

[hɔŋkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

car sound

Honked refers to the action of sounding a car horn, typically as a warning or acknowledgment to other drivers or pedestrians. It can also denote the noise made by geese or some other animals. In driving contexts, honking is used to attract attention and communicate urgency, often used in scenarios of frustration or excitement on the road. Additionally, it can be associated with celebratory honking during events like parades or weddings.

Synonyms

blare, sound, toot.

Examples of usage

  • She honked to let the pedestrians know to cross.
  • The driver honked in frustration at the traffic jam.
  • During the parade, cars honked in celebration.
  • He honked his horn to greet his friend on the street.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The sound of honking cars is often used in films to express urgency or chaos, especially in chase scenes.
  • In children's cartoons, characters often honk and make funny sounds for comedic effect, enhancing the alertness of the scene.

Transportation

  • Horns are important safety tools in vehicles, known to prevent accidents by alerting other drivers and pedestrians.
  • Different animals, such as geese, make honking sounds which serve as communication, especially during migration.

Psychology

  • The sound of honking can provoke immediate attention and sometimes irritation, depending on the context and frequency.
  • Studies show that repetitive loud noises, like honking, can increase stress levels in urban environments.

Literature

  • In literature, honking can symbolize alertness or serve as a metaphor for attention-seeking behavior, often portrayed in urban settings.
  • Fictional works often use the honking of horns to create a sense of chaos or urgency in city life.

Origin of 'honked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Middle English from 'honkien', which means to make a loud noise.
  • In the early 20th century, it became commonly associated with the noise made by automobiles as horns became more widespread.

The word 'honk' originates from the early 20th century, initially used to describe the sound produced by the horns of automobiles. It was derived from the Old English word 'honc,' related to the noise made by certain animals, particularly geese. As automobiles became more common in everyday life, the term evolved to primarily refer to the sound made by car horns. Over time, 'honk' has been adopted into colloquial speech to express various forms of communication on the road, ranging from friendly greetings to signaling displeasure. Its usage has expanded through cultural references in media, indicating not just the action but also a spectrum of emotions associated with driving.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,440 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.