hockle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rareDialectal / Technical (Sailing, Textiles)
Quick answer
What does “hockle” mean?
A dialectal term meaning either to clear the throat noisily and spit, or to tangle or knot (as with a rope).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dialectal term meaning either to clear the throat noisily and spit, or to tangle or knot (as with a rope).
The verb can mean to hawk and spit, or to cause fibers/thread to form small knots. As a noun, it can refer to phlegm or a knot in a rope.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, 'hockle' as a verb meaning to spit is found in Northern English and Scots dialects. The nautical sense (to knot a rope) is documented in both UK and US maritime contexts, but is obscure.
Connotations
In UK dialect, connotes rough, rustic behaviour. In technical use, connotes poor maintenance or defective material.
Frequency
Extremely rare in standard language in both regions. The 'spit' sense is slightly more known in UK due to dialect preservation.
Grammar
How to Use “hockle” in a Sentence
[Subject] hockles (intransitive)[Subject] hockles [Object] (transitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hockle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old sailor would hockle and spit over the side before starting his watch.
- If you don't whip the end, the rope will hockle under strain.
American English
- He hockled up some phlegm discreetly into a handkerchief.
- The cheap yarn hockled constantly on the spinning wheel.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used.
American English
- Not standardly used.
adjective
British English
- A hockled rope is a danger aloft.
- He gave a hockling cough.
American English
- The hockled strand had to be cut out.
- The hockle point on the cable was weak.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in dialectology or historical linguistics studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare, limited to specific regional dialects.
Technical
Possible in historical nautical or textile descriptions for a flaw in rope or yarn.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hockle”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hockle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hockle”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing its two unrelated meanings.
- Misspelling as 'hoccle' or 'hockel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and mostly confined to regional dialects or highly technical jargon.
Yes, though rare. It can refer to phlegm that is spat out or a knot/tangle in a rope or yarn.
It is likely a variant of 'hawk' (as in 'hawk and spit'), influenced by the sound of the action.
No, it is not necessary for learners. It is useful only for understanding specific dialects or historical texts.
A dialectal term meaning either to clear the throat noisily and spit, or to tangle or knot (as with a rope).
Hockle is usually dialectal / technical (sailing, textiles) in register.
Hockle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not in common idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOCKing cough that makes you spittle (spit) or a rope in a HOCKey net that's all tangled.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTRUCTION IS TANGLING / REJECTION IS EXPULSION (spitting out phlegm as rejecting something internal).
Practice
Quiz
In a dialect context, what does 'to hockle' most likely mean?