“Hock” can mean a few different things, but in everyday English it most often refers to a joint in an animal’s leg, especially in a horse or cow. It can also be used as a verb meaning to sell or pawn something, usually because you need money.
People use “hock” in different ways depending on the context. For example, someone might talk about a horse’s hock when discussing the animal’s legs, or say they had to hock their phone to mean they pawned it for cash. The meaning is usually clear from the situation.
Meaning & Usage
As a noun, hock is the bent joint on the back leg of some animals. As a verb, it means to pawn or sell something quickly, often for money.
Examples
“The vet checked the horse’s hock.”
“He had to hock his watch to pay the bill.”
What does “hock” mean in animals?
In animals, “hock” is a leg joint, similar to an ankle in humans. It is commonly used when talking about horses, cows, and other livestock.
What does “hock” mean as a verb?
As a verb, “hock” means to pawn or sell something, usually because you need money fast.
Is “hock” a common word?
It is not used every day by everyone, but it is common in animal care and in informal speech about pawning things.
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