“Hock” can mean different things depending on the context. Most commonly, it is a noun for the middle joint in the leg of a horse, dog, or other animal. It can also be used as a verb meaning to pawn something, or to spit or cough up mucus in a rough way.
In everyday English, people usually hear “hock” in animal-related talk or in informal speech about pawning items. For example, someone might say they had to hock their watch to get quick cash. The meaning depends on how the word is used in the sentence.
Meaning & Usage
As a noun, “hock” often refers to an animal’s ankle-like joint. As a verb, it means to pawn something, usually for money. In some informal contexts, it can also mean to spit or cough up something unpleasant.
Examples
“The horse injured its hock.”
“I had to hock my guitar to pay the bill.”
“He hocked up some mucus after the cold.”
What does “hock” mean in money slang?
It means to pawn something, usually to get cash quickly.
Is “hock” a common everyday word?
Not very common in daily conversation, but people may hear it in animal care or informal money talk.
Can “hock” have more than one meaning?
Yes. It can refer to an animal joint, pawning something, or spitting/coughing up mucus.
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