henpeck: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal, dated
Quick answer
What does “henpeck” mean?
To continually criticize, nag, or dominate (especially a husband by his wife).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To continually criticize, nag, or dominate (especially a husband by his wife).
To subject someone to persistent, petty, or domineering fault-finding; to dominate or control in a nagging manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and recognition are similar, though slightly more common in American historical/cultural references (e.g., in old cartoons, comedy).
Connotations
In both varieties, it is considered old-fashioned and carries a sexist undertone, as it stereotypes wives as nagging and husbands as passive.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary use; primarily found in historical texts, comedy, or discussions of gender stereotypes.
Grammar
How to Use “henpeck” in a Sentence
[Subject] henpecks [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “henpeck” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would henpeck him about forgetting to take the bins out.
- I refuse to be henpecked over every minor household chore.
American English
- His friends joked that his wife henpecked him about his spending habits.
- He felt constantly henpecked to help with the yard work.
adverb
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He had the classic look of a henpecked husband, always checking his phone anxiously.
- The comedy sketch portrayed a terribly henpecked man.
American English
- The henpecked character in the sitcom was always hiding from his wife.
- He played the role of the henpecked spouse perfectly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, sociological, or gender studies discussing stereotypes.
Everyday
Rare and informal, often used humorously or pejoratively by older speakers.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “henpeck”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Applying it to non-spousal relationships without noting its gendered history.
- Spelling as 'hen-peck' (though hyphenated form is sometimes seen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically and primarily, yes. While it could theoretically be used in reverse or other contexts, its strong gendered association makes such usage very rare and likely to be marked as humorous or ironic.
It is not a swear word, but it is informal and can be considered offensive because it perpetuates a negative stereotype about wives/nagging women. It's best used with caution.
'Nag' is more general and common. 'Henpeck' is more specific, implying a domineering, persistent nagging within a spousal (traditionally marital) relationship, and is now dated.
Rarely. The primary use is as a verb. The related adjective 'henpecked' is far more common. A noun form like 'henpecking' is possible but uncommon.
To continually criticize, nag, or dominate (especially a husband by his wife).
Henpeck is usually informal, dated in register.
Henpeck: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛnpɛk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛnˌpɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “henpecked husband”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEN pecking relentlessly at something—similarly, to HENPECK is to nag someone constantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/DOMINATION IS PECKING (like a bird).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'henpeck' be MOST appropriately used?