canakin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (archaic/poetic/literary)Archaic, literary, poetic, historical. Not used in contemporary everyday language.
Quick answer
What does “canakin” mean?
A small can or drinking vessel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small can or drinking vessel.
A small metal cup or mug, often for ale or wine, typically with a handle; a diminutive form of 'can'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No contemporary usage differences. The word is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a Shakespearean or early modern English setting, taverns, historical novels, or folk songs.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Its primary modern occurrence is in quoting or evoking Shakespeare's 'Othello' (Act II, Scene III: "And let me the canakin clink, clink...").
Grammar
How to Use “canakin” in a Sentence
clink + [Direct Object: canakin]drink from + [Prepositional Object: a canakin]fill + [Direct Object: the canakin] + with + [Noun Phrase: ale]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in literary analysis, historical studies, or etymology discussions.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used. Possibly in historical re-enactment or antique collecting contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canakin”
- Misspelling as 'cannakin' or 'cannekin'.
- Using it as a synonym for a modern can of soda.
- Using it in a non-historical/literary context where 'cup' or 'mug' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic or literary word and is very rarely used in modern everyday English.
Its most famous appearance is in William Shakespeare's play 'Othello', in the drinking song sung by Iago: 'And let me the canakin clink, clink...'
The '-kin' suffix is a diminutive, meaning 'little'. So a 'canakin' is a 'little can' or small drinking vessel.
It would sound very odd and affected. Use 'cup', 'mug', or 'glass' for contemporary objects. 'Canakin' is reserved for historical or poetic effect.
A small can or drinking vessel.
Canakin is usually archaic, literary, poetic, historical. not used in contemporary everyday language. in register.
Canakin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænəkɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænəkɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To] let the canakin clink (from Shakespeare, meaning to drink a toast).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small CAN, and you add a little 'kin' (like family) to it—a small can for your kin to drink from.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR CONVIVIALITY (the small cup is a vessel for social bonding and merriment).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the word 'canakin' today?