GET HITCH Meaning and
Definition
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"Get hitch" is a colloquial phrase with multiple interpretations and is commonly used in informal conversations. It can refer to two distinct meanings.
1. To get married or enter into a committed romantic relationship:
This meaning of "get hitch" often implies a long-term commitment between two individuals. It suggests the initiation of a formal union, most commonly through marriage. It is used to express the act of two people deciding to spend their lives together, sharing responsibilities and creating a stable bond. For example, "After years of dating, they finally decided to get hitched and announced their engagement."
2. To become attached, caught, or entangled:
In this context, "get hitch" means to become entangled physically or figuratively. It signifies getting caught or stuck in a difficult or complicated situation. The phrase can be used to denote a problematic attachment to someone or something, often resulting in unwanted consequences. For instance, "He got hitched in a mess of legal issues after being associated with the wrong crowd."
Both interpretations of "get hitch" apply solely to informal contexts and are not considered standard or formal English usage. The phrase's meaning primarily depends on the context and is subject to the speaker's intended message.
Etymology of GET HITCH
The phrase "get hitched" is a colloquial expression that means to get married. Its etymology can be traced back to the 17th century.
The word "hitch" comes from the Middle English word "hichen", which means to move suddenly or jerkily. It later evolved to mean to fasten or attach something. In the context of marriage, "hitch" refers to the act of joining or binding two individuals together.
The exact origin of the phrase "get hitched" is unclear. Some theories suggest that it might have originated from the image of a horse-drawn cart or carriage, where the joining of the horses to the carriage is referred to as "hitching". The idea of two individuals being joined in marriage, similar to the horses being hitched to the carriage, could have led to the expression.
Alternatively, "hitch" can also mean a temporary difficulty or problem.
