hip pocket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, occasionally informal when used metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “hip pocket” mean?
The pocket in a pair of trousers or a skirt that is situated at the rear, near the wearer's hip.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The pocket in a pair of trousers or a skirt that is situated at the rear, near the wearer's hip.
A metaphorical reference to personal financial resources, often implying affordability or direct personal expense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight. 'Back pocket' is a common near-synonym, especially in US English, for the literal meaning, while 'hip pocket' is standard in tailoring contexts in both regions. The metaphorical 'out-of-pocket' is more common than 'from one's hip pocket' in the UK.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use can imply a small, personal, and readily accessible fund, as opposed to institutional or large-scale resources.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English for metaphorical financial usage (e.g., 'hip-pocket amendment'). In UK English, the literal meaning is primary.
Grammar
How to Use “hip pocket” in a Sentence
(subject) pay from [possessive] hip pocket(subject) keep (something) in [possessive] hip pocket(subject) is in the hip pocket of (organization/person)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hip pocket” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a hip-pocket decision, made with personal funds.
- He carried a hip-pocket notebook.
American English
- The senator used a hip-pocket veto to stall the proposal.
- It's just a hip-pocket estimate for now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal term for small, discretionary spending or personal investment, e.g., 'We funded the prototype from our hip pockets.'
Academic
Rare, except in political science discussing 'hip-pocket vetoes' or sociological studies on personal finance metaphors.
Everyday
Common for describing clothing or casual references to paying for something personally, e.g., 'I had to cover the bill from my hip pocket.'
Technical
Used in tailoring and fashion design to specify the cut and placement of a rear trouser pocket.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hip pocket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hip pocket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hip pocket”
- Confusing 'hip pocket' with 'front pocket' or 'side pocket'.
- Using 'hip pocket' in overly formal financial writing.
- Misinterpreting 'hip-pocket veto' as an official legislative procedure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday language, they are often used interchangeably for the literal pocket. However, in tailoring, 'hip pocket' is the technical term for the specific rear pocket style, while 'back pocket' is more generic.
No, 'hip pocket' is not standardly used as a verb. The related action is expressed with phrases like 'pay from one's hip pocket' or 'keep in one's hip pocket'.
It's an informal, unofficial veto power, not found in formal procedures. It refers to a situation where a person in authority (like a committee chair) can delay or block a measure simply by not acting on it, effectively 'pocketing' it.
No, it is informal and metaphorical. It suggests small-scale, personal finance. In formal business or academic contexts, terms like 'personal funds', 'out-of-pocket expenses', or 'self-funded' are preferred.
The pocket in a pair of trousers or a skirt that is situated at the rear, near the wearer's hip.
Hip pocket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp ˌpɒk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp ˌpɑː.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have someone in your hip pocket (to control someone)”
- “hip-pocket amendment (a quickly prepared, unofficial change)”
- “hip-pocket veto (an unofficial, informal veto)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of patting your HIP to find your pocket at the back; what's in there is your personal, ready cash.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY/BUSINESS IS A PHYSICAL CONTAINER (the pocket). PERSONAL CONTROL IS PHYSICAL POSSESSION (having someone in your pocket).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to have someone in your hip pocket' mean?