hookup
C1Informal/Colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A connection, especially one that enables a relationship, device, or system to function.
A casual sexual encounter or romantic liaison, often with no expectation of commitment; the act of connecting something to a power supply or network.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly context-dependent. Can refer to physical connections (technical), social connections (networking), or sexual encounters (informal/slang). The sexual connotation is dominant in modern informal usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but the informal sexual meaning is more prevalent and likely slightly more common in AmE. The technical meaning (e.g., 'internet hookup') is neutral.
Connotations
In both varieties, the sexual connotation is strong and informal. May be considered slightly crude or very casual. In BrE, alternatives like 'liaison' or 'one-night stand' might be used in more formal contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly for the social/sexual meaning.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a hookup with [person]set up a hookup for [device/system]look for a hookupVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hook, line, and sinker (related etymologically but not semantically)”
- “off the hook (idiomatically distinct)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in IT/telecoms: 'We need a secure hookup to the server.'
Academic
Very rare in formal writing. Might appear in sociolinguistics or media studies discussing modern relationships.
Everyday
Very common for referring to casual sexual encounters or setting up connections (TV, internet).
Technical
Common in IT, electronics, and RV/camping contexts: 'The caravan has a full electrical hookup.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They hooked up at the festival last summer.
- Can you hook up the printer to my laptop?
American English
- They hooked up after the party.
- We need to hook up the new sound system.
adverb
British English
- Used as part of phrasal verb 'hook up', not typically as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Used as part of phrasal verb 'hook up', not typically as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's my hookup guy for concert tickets. (slang: contact/provider)
- The hookup cable is missing.
American English
- She's my hookup for discounted software. (slang)
- Check the hookup fees for the campsite.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The television hookup is behind the cabinet.
- We have a phone hookup in the kitchen.
- The campsite offers electricity and water hookups for caravans.
- They had a brief hookup while on holiday.
- Modern dating apps have made casual hookups more common.
- The technician will handle the broadband hookup tomorrow.
- The film explores the emotional consequences of a seemingly harmless hookup.
- The treaty facilitated a strategic military hookup between the two nations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fisherman's HOOK pulling two fish together (a connection), or a USB cable with a hook on the end connecting to a port.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMACY/RELATIONSHIP IS A PHYSICAL CONNECTION (e.g., 'they hooked up'), TECHNOLOGY IS PLUMBING/WIRING (e.g., 'data hookup').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'крючок' (fish hook). For the sexual meaning, 'секс на одну ночь' or 'мимолётная связь' are closer. For technical meaning, use 'подключение' or 'соединение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts (e.g., academic paper). Confusing 'hookup' (noun) with 'hook up' (phrasal verb). Overusing the sexual meaning in inappropriate contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hookup' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but that is its most common informal meaning. It can also mean a physical or technical connection (e.g., electrical hookup). Context is crucial.
'Hookup' is primarily a noun (e.g., 'We had a hookup'). 'Hook up' is a phrasal verb (e.g., 'They hooked up' or 'Hook up the wires').
Yes, in very informal slang (mainly AmE), it can mean a person who can provide something, e.g., 'He's my hookup for cheap electronics.'
Generally, no. For technical meanings, use 'connection' or 'installation'. The social/sexual meaning is entirely inappropriate for professional correspondence.
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