How Do You Spell IN HOCK?

Pronunciation: [ɪn hˈɒk] (IPA)

In hock is a phrase that means being in debt or owing money. The word hock is spelled with /hɒk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "h" in hock is pronounced with a breathy sound because it is followed by a vowel sound. The "o" in hock is pronounced with a short vowel sound. The "ck" at the end of hock is a spelling pattern for the /k/ sound. In hock is a common phrase used in financial contexts to describe someone who has borrowed money and needs to pay it back.

IN HOCK Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "in hock" refers to a colloquial expression that signifies being deeply indebted or owing a significant amount of money. It is often used in informal contexts rather than formal language. The term originates from the game of pawnbroking, where people would pledge their possessions as collateral to obtain a loan. When someone pawned an item, it was placed in the pawnbroker's "hock," meaning it was held as security for the loan. Consequently, if someone is "in hock," they are metaphorically pledging a portion of their assets to clear their debts.

   Being "in hock" suggests a state of financial burden, often due to borrowing money from various sources or failing to maintain regular payments. This phrase implies a heightened level of indebtedness, portraying a situation where one struggles to manage their financial commitments. Being "in hock" can have various effects on an individual's life, such as limited opportunities, increased stress, and reduced financial flexibility.

   In summary, "in hock" denotes a state of significant indebtedness, reminiscent of pawning possessions to obtain a loan. It encompasses the concept of owing a substantial amount of money and the resulting financial strain. This informal expression signifies someone who is facing financial difficulties and implies a need to alleviate their debt load in order to regain financial stability.

Common Misspellings for IN HOCK

• un hock
• jn hock
• kn hock
• on hock
• 9n hock
• 8n hock
• ib hock
• im hock
• ij hock
• ih hock
• in gock
• in bock
• in nock
• in jock
• in uock
• in yock
• in hick
• in hkck
• in hlck
• in hpck

Etymology of IN HOCK

The phrase "in hock" originated in America and is derived from the game of poker. "Hock" is a variation of "hoch", which means "to pawn" in German. It was first used in the early 20th century to refer to a player who had wagered all their chips and had to pawn belongings, often including their watch, to continue playing. Over time, the term expanded to encompass anyone who was heavily in debt or financially constrained.

Idioms with the word IN HOCK

• be in hock The idiom "be in hock" means to be in debt or owe money to someone or something. It refers to a situation where a person or organization has borrowed money and is obligated to repay it. Being "in hock" suggests a state of financial burden or indebtedness.
• in hock "In hock" is an idiom used to describe being in debt or owing money to someone. It implies that a person is in a situation of financial difficulty or owing a significant amount of money.

Similar spelling words for IN HOCK

• inhale,
• unlock,
• ink,
• on deck,
• unpack,
• inca.