The phrase "going in to hock" means to pawn something as collateral for a loan. The spelling of "hock" is not related to the beer-making term. Instead, it comes from the German word "hoch," meaning "height." In English, it can also refer to the heel of a horse, and in this case, it is spelled "hocke." The pronunciation of "hock" is /hɑk/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "o" sound and a hard "k" at the end.
Going in to hock refers to the act of using one's possessions or financial assets as collateral for a loan or to secure some form of credit or debt. This phrase typically implies the notion of entering into a risky financial situation or experiencing financial difficulties.
When a person is said to be "going in to hock," it means that they are willing to pledge their belongings or valuables as security to borrow money. The phrase is commonly used to describe a desperate action taken by individuals who are struggling financially and have limited options to obtain necessary funds. By resorting to this approach, a person can secure a loan while placing their valuable possessions at risk of being taken by the lender in case of failure to repay the borrowed amount.
The term "hock" is derived from the word "hockshop" or "pawnshop," which historically referred to establishments where individuals could pledge their assets in exchange for a loan. "Going in to hock" implies an acknowledgement of the financial strain one is facing and the willingness to risk their belongings or property to alleviate the current financial woes. This phrase is often used metaphorically to convey the idea of making significant sacrifices or compromises to overcome financial hardships.
In summary, "going in to hock" signifies the act of using personal possessions as collateral for a loan or debt, often in times of financial hardship, with the understanding that failure to repay the borrowed amount may result in the loss of those assets.