hick-joint pointing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Regional)Specialized / Colloquial (Derogatory)
Quick answer
What does “hick-joint pointing” mean?
A method of repairing or pointing masonry joints where mortar is applied in a rough, uneven manner, often leaving protrusions or a rustic appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of repairing or pointing masonry joints where mortar is applied in a rough, uneven manner, often leaving protrusions or a rustic appearance.
This refers to a specific bricklaying or masonry technique, sometimes considered unskilled or old-fashioned, where mortar is applied in a thick, proud line rather than being neatly struck flush. The term 'hick' suggests a rural or unsophisticated origin. It can also metaphorically describe any work done in a rough, makeshift, or non-professional manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely found in American English, particularly in regional construction trade slang. In British English, a similar concept might be described as 'rough pointing', 'proud pointing', or 'badly struck joints'. The derogatory 'hick' component is distinctly American.
Connotations
Universally negative, implying crudeness, lack of skill, and a rustic or backward method. It suggests work that is not up to modern professional standards.
Frequency
Extremely rare. It would be unknown to the general public and is only likely to be understood by those in masonry, historic preservation, or related trades, primarily in certain US regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hick-joint pointing” in a Sentence
The mason used [hick-joint pointing] on the wall.The cottage features [hick-joint pointing].They decided to repair it with [hick-joint pointing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hick-joint pointing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old wall had been hick-jointed, giving it a very rustic look.
American English
- They hick-jointed the chimney to match the original, crude style.
adverb
British English
- The mortar was applied hick-joint, leaving it all lumpy.
American English
- The repair was done hick-joint, just to patch it up quickly.
adjective
British English
- The hick-joint pointing on the barn was characteristic of the local 18th-century style.
American English
- We found hick-joint pointing under the modern siding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. A project manager would refer to 'non-compliant workmanship' or 'substandard pointing'.
Academic
Rarely used. A paper on vernacular architecture might mention 'rustic jointing techniques' or 'regional pointing methods'.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A homeowner might say 'the mortar is all lumpy and uneven'.
Technical
Used as informal, derogatory trade slang among masons, builders, or restoration specialists to criticize a specific type of work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hick-joint pointing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hick-joint pointing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hick-joint pointing”
- Confusing it with 'tuck pointing', which is a precise, decorative technique. Using it as a formal term. Spelling it as 'hic-joint'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered substandard and unprofessional by modern building codes and standards. It is primarily of historical interest.
No. Using this term would likely be seen as insulting. Instead, describe the desired finish, e.g., 'flush joints' or 'slightly recessed joints'.
Potentially in very specific historical restoration projects where the goal is to authentically replicate the original, crude workmanship of a period building. It is not used in new construction.
They are opposites. Hick-joint is crude, with proud, uneven mortar. Tuck pointing is a refined, decorative technique where a narrow, perfect line of fine mortar is applied over a base mortar to give the illusion of very neat joints.
A method of repairing or pointing masonry joints where mortar is applied in a rough, uneven manner, often leaving protrusions or a rustic appearance.
Hick-joint pointing is usually specialized / colloquial (derogatory) in register.
Hick-joint pointing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪk dʒɔɪnt ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪk dʒɔɪnt ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Done like hick-joint pointing (meaning done in a crude, unprofessional way).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'hick' (a rustic person) clumsily applying mortar with their fingers, leaving big, messy joints.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRUDENESS IS UNSOPHISTICATION / THE PAST IS PRIMITIVE. The technique is metaphorically linked to outdated, rural practices.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'hick-joint pointing'?