hunkers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, colloquial. Common in narrative prose and descriptive contexts. The figurative usage is particularly common in political, business, and news commentary.
Quick answer
What does “hunkers” mean?
To squat down or crouch low, often with the haunches close to the heels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To squat down or crouch low, often with the haunches close to the heels.
1. To adopt a physically defensive or low posture. 2. (Figurative) To adopt a stubborn, resistant, or non-cooperative attitude; to dig in and refuse to budge. 3. To settle in or prepare for a period of hardship or difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both share the core meaning. The figurative sense 'to hunker down' (prepare for trouble) is extremely common in American English, especially in weather and crisis reporting.
Connotations
In both varieties, the physical act can imply informality, readiness, or making oneself small. Figuratively, it can imply prudent preparation or, negatively, stubborn isolationism.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, particularly the phrasal verb 'hunker down'.
Grammar
How to Use “hunkers” in a Sentence
[Subject] hunkers.[Subject] hunkers down.[Subject] hunkers behind/under/beside [Object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hunkers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gardener hunkered amongst the rose bushes to examine the stems.
- As the gale worsened, the climbers hunkered in a shallow cave.
American English
- He hunkered down in his apartment to finish writing his novel.
- The baseball catcher hunkered behind home plate, giving the signal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board decided to hunker down and focus on core markets during the recession.
Academic
The community hunkered down, developing unique cultural practices during their prolonged isolation.
Everyday
We hunkered under the picnic table until the sudden hailstorm passed.
Technical
Soldiers were trained to hunker behind the berm for immediate cover.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hunkers”
- Using it as a noun ("He sat on his hunker" is non-standard). Confusing it with 'hunky' or 'hunk'. Incorrect preposition: 'hunker on' instead of 'hunker behind/down/under'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. 'Hunker' is of Germanic origin, related to the word 'haunch' (the hip and upper thigh), which is the body part involved in the posture.
Yes, but it's less common. 'He hunkered behind the desk' is fine, but 'hunker down' is the most frequent collocation, especially for the figurative meaning.
No, it is informal or colloquial. In formal writing, synonyms like 'crouch', 'squat', or 'take defensive measures' might be preferred.
'Hunker' specifically suggests settling into a low, stable, and often enduring squat, sometimes for shelter. 'Crouch' is more general for bending the knees and lowering the body, often briefly and ready to move.
To squat down or crouch low, often with the haunches close to the heels.
Hunkers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌŋkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌŋkərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hunker down (for the winter/storm)”
- “hunker in the bunker (fig., resist pressure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HUNgry HUNKER who squats by the campfire to cook. Or: To HUNKER is to get your HUNK (body) low.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARING FOR DIFFICULTY IS ASSUMING A LOW, STABLE POSTURE. (e.g., 'hunker down for the audit').
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Investors are hunkering down for a volatile quarter,' what does 'hunkering down' best imply?