"Had a yen for" is an idiomatic expression which means to have a strong desire, craving, or hankering for something. It is often used to describe a strong and persistent longing for a particular thing or experience.
When someone says they "had a yen for" something, it indicates a significant attraction or interest towards it. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a particular type of food, a hobby, a place, an activity, or even a person. For example, a person may say, "I had a yen for sushi tonight, so we decided to go to my favorite Japanese restaurant."
The term "yen" originates from the Japanese currency, the yen, which signifies a unit of value or desire. However, in this expression, it does not strictly refer to a monetary value, but rather emphasizes the intensity of the longing or yearning felt.
The phrase "had a yen for" conveys a more intense and specific desire than simply wanting or liking something. It suggests an almost irresistible attraction or an insatiable urge for a particular thing. This idiomatic expression illustrates an emotional and passionate yearning that may be difficult to ignore or resist.
In summary, "had a yen for" denotes a strong, persistent, and specific longing for something or someone, which goes beyond a simple desire or liking.
