hanky
B1Informal, colloquial. Often used in a familiar, affectionate, or slightly childish context.
Definition
Meaning
A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face; an informal and affectionate term for a handkerchief.
Occasionally used as a slang term for a woman, especially in the phrase "bit of hanky-panky," though this is dated/rare. As a component of the compound 'hanky-panky,' it implies trickery or sexual misconduct.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Diminutive form of 'handkerchief.' Connotes smallness, informality, and personal care. Can sound old-fashioned or quaint in some contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Understood in both varieties, but perhaps slightly more common in British English, especially in the diminutive/affectionate sense. In AmE, 'hankie' is also a common spelling variant.
Connotations
In both, it often evokes a traditional cloth handkerchief, potentially associated with an older generation, as opposed to disposable tissues.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency; its use is largely superseded by 'tissue' in everyday contexts for the object itself.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[have/lose/find] a hanky[wipe/blow] with a hanky[take out/pull out] one's hankyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hanky-panky (mischief or sexual activity)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used in informal, often family-oriented speech ("Don't forget your hanky!").
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Granny gave me a clean hanky.
- He used his hanky to wipe his glasses.
- Do you have a hanky? I think I'm getting a cold.
- It's an old tradition for the bride to carry a lace hanky.
- In his pocket, he kept a monogrammed linen hanky, a relic from a more formal era.
- The comedian's routine involved a lot of mock crying into a giant polka-dot hanky.
- The phrase 'hanky-panky' originated in 19th-century carnival slang for trickery, later acquiring its sexual connotation.
- The museum's exhibit on Edwardian fashion featured several intricately embroidered hankies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HANK of yarn - a hanky is a small, soft, cloth item you can hold in your hand.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS SMALLNESS / NOSTALGIA IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (the hanky as a relic of a past, more genteel time).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'носо́вый плато́к' in formal contexts, as 'hanky' is informal. The Russian equivalent in tone might be 'плато́чек'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'hankey' or 'hankie' are common variants. Using 'hanky' in a formal written context.
- Overusing the diminutive where the standard word 'handkerchief' or 'tissue' is more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hanky' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard informal noun, a clipped and diminutive form of 'handkerchief,' listed in major dictionaries.
A 'hanky' is typically a reusable cloth square. A 'tissue' is a disposable paper product. 'Hanky' is also more informal and old-fashioned.
No, 'hanky' is only a noun. The related slang term 'hanky-panky' can be used as a noun phrase.
To sound affectionate, familiar, nostalgic, or slightly childish. It conveys a softer, less formal tone.