hock
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /hɒk/
KK: /hɑk/
noun
Definition
A joint in the leg of certain animals, similar to the ankle in humans, or a cut of meat from the leg above the foot.
Example
The chef prepared a delicious dish using hock from the pig.
Conversation
Did you try the hock dish at that new restaurant?
Not yet, but I've heard it's really good!
I think you’d love it; the flavors are amazing and the hock is so tender.
I’ll definitely order it next time — thanks for the recommendation!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
joint
ham
pawn
Antonyms
freedom
release
liberation
transitive verb
Definition
To disable a joint in the leg by cutting its tendons, or to pawn something of value.
Example
He decided to hock his watch to pay for his bills.
Tense Forms
Past: hocked
Past Participle: hocked
Conversation
I really need some quick cash for this weekend.
Have you thought about what you could hock?
Yeah, I might hock that old guitar I never use.
Root Explanation
The word 'hock' originates from Old English 'hoc', meaning the joint of the leg or the hock joint in animals. It refers specifically to the joint in the hind leg of a horse or similar animals.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'hoc' which refers to a joint in the leg — that's why 'hock' relates to that specific joint.
Visually Confused Words
shock
hoick
chock
ock
throck
mohock