Pronunciation: [hˈɪkɪz] (IPA) 
"Hickeys" refers to marks on the skin caused by kissing or sucking, and can be spelled in a couple of ways. The correct spelling is [ˈhɪkiz], or "HIK-iz", with a stress on the first syllable. Some people may spell it with a "e" instead of an "i", as in "hickies", but this is incorrect. The "i" is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, followed by a "k" and a long "ee". The plural form of this word is spelled the same way as the singular form.
Hickeys, also commonly referred to as love bites or kiss marks, are distinct red or purplish marks that appear on the skin, typically on the neck, chest, or sometimes on other body parts. Hickeys occur when one person applies suction and pressure to another person's skin, specifically during passionate or intense kissing or sucking on the skin. This action causes small blood vessels, known as capillaries, just beneath the skin to break or burst, resulting in the formation of discoloration or bruising.
Hickeys are often considered an intimate gesture between romantic partners and are associated with moments of heightened passion and affection. While they do not cause any pain or harm, they are visible marks that may last for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual's skin and the intensity of the hickey.
These marks are typically circular or oval-shaped, varying in size from small dots to larger patches, and are caused by the suction and pressure exerted during the passionate act. Hickeys can be seen as a form of temporary body art, often seen as a sign of sexual desire or as a badge of honor among individuals engaging in intimate relationships.
However, it is important to note that hickeys might also hold certain social connotations, being seen by some as inappropriate or unprofessional in certain settings, leading individuals to attempt to hide or conceal them.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hickey" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, specifically in the United States. Its exact etymology is not well-documented, but there are a few theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that "hickey" comes from the term "hectograph" – a device used for duplicating documents. This theory suggests that "hickey" originally referred to a smudge or error made during the duplicating process. Over time, the term might have been metaphorically applied to the marks left on the skin due to passionate or rough kissing.
Another theory links "hickey" to the Irish surname "Hickey". According to this theory, it originated from the common practice of giving someone a "love bite" or a mark on the neck as a sign of affection.
