Definition

Something that is dull, unoriginal, or lacking in freshness; often used to describe ideas or expressions that are overused.

Example

The movie was filled with hackney phrases that made it predictable and boring.

Conversation

I watched that new movie last night, and honestly, it felt a bit hackney to me.

Really? I thought it had some interesting twists.

Maybe, but the storyline was pretty hackney overall.

I guess some plots just follow the same old formula.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of horse or carriage that can be hired for transportation.

Example

The hackney carriage was waiting at the station to pick up passengers.

Conversation

Did you see that hackney carriage in the park yesterday?

Yeah, it looked really charming and old-fashioned!

I love how they remind me of historical times.

Definition

To make something dull or unoriginal by using it too much, or to rent something out.

Example

The artist felt that his work had been hackneyed by constant imitation.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like the way they hackney their stories makes everything so predictable.

Totally! It's like you can see the ending coming from a mile away.

Yeah, I wish they would try to be more original instead of just rehashing the same plots.

Root Explanation

Hackney originates from Old English *hacnige*, meaning a place where hay is made, derived from *hacn* (meaning hay) and *-ig* (a suffix denoting a place). The word refers to a location associated with hay production, which later evolved to describe a type of horse used for riding or pulling carriages.

Memory Tip

Think of a place where 'hay' is made ('hacn') — that's how 'hackney' connects to its origins as a location associated with hay.

Visually Confused Words