hunks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal for the 'attractive man' meaning; neutral for the 'large piece' meaning.
Quick answer
What does “hunks” mean?
plural of 'hunk': a large, solid, often thick or clumsy piece, especially of food, or a physically large, strong, and sexually attractive man (slang).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
plural of 'hunk': a large, solid, often thick or clumsy piece, especially of food, or a physically large, strong, and sexually attractive man (slang).
In informal slang, can refer to multiple attractive, well-built men. Historically, also used to mean 'a fit of bad temper or sulks' (archaic, chiefly Scottish).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are understood in both varieties. The slang term for an attractive man is slightly more prevalent in American media.
Connotations
As slang for men, can be seen as playful, objectifying, or humorous depending on context.
Frequency
The 'large piece' meaning is less frequent in everyday conversation than the slang term.
Grammar
How to Use “hunks” in a Sentence
[verb] + hunks + of + [noun] (e.g., cut hunks of cheese)[adjective] + hunks (e.g., greasy hunks)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hunks” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The recipe called for hunks of stale bread to make the pudding.
- After the rugby match, the changing room was full of sweaty hunks.
- The cliff face had broken off in great hunks.
American English
- She ordered a salad topped with hunks of grilled chicken.
- The calendar featured firemen who were total hunks.
- The old car was just a few rusted hunks of metal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in manufacturing/construction (e.g., 'hunks of raw material').
Academic
Rare, possible in archaeology/geology (e.g., 'hunks of basalt').
Everyday
Common for food and informal slang.
Technical
Possible in machining or butchery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hunks”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hunks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hunks”
- Using 'hunks' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'a hunks'; correct: 'a hunk').
- Overusing the slang term in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Referring to 'large pieces' is neutral. Only the meaning referring to attractive men is informal slang.
No. The slang term 'hunk/hunks' is exclusively masculine. The equivalent for women is 'babe' or 'fox' in similar slang registers.
Both mean a solid piece. 'Hunk' often implies a roughly torn or cut, appetising, or substantial piece. 'Chunk' is more neutral and common for non-food items (e.g., chunk of data).
It is considered archaic and would not be understood in general English conversation today.
plural of 'hunk': a large, solid, often thick or clumsy piece, especially of food, or a physically large, strong, and sexually attractive man (slang).
Hunks: in British English it is pronounced /hʌŋks/, and in American English it is pronounced /hʌŋks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'hunks']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HUNgry King tearing off big HUNKS of bread with his strong (hunky) arms.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTIVENESS IS MASS/SUBSTANCE (for the slang meaning).
Practice
Quiz
In informal slang, what does 'hunks' typically refer to?