Pronunciation: [mˈiːθʊk] (IPA) 
Meathook is a noun that refers to a hook used for handling or hanging meat. The word consists of two syllables, "meat" and "hook." The IPA phonetic transcription of "meathook" is /miːthʊk/. The word begins with the "m" sound, followed by the long "ee" vowel sound represented by "ee" and "th" that produces by air friction between the tongue and upper teeth. The word ends with the "uhk" sound, represented by the letters "u" and "k."
Meathook is a noun that refers to a large, long, and typically curved hook used for handling or hanging up meat. It is mainly employed in butcheries, abattoirs, or meat processing facilities as a tool to lift, move, or hang carcasses or cuts of meat.
Typically made from metal, meathooks have a sturdy and thick construction, allowing them to support the weight of heavy meat pieces. The curved design of the hook enables it to easily puncture and securely hold the flesh, preventing it from slipping or falling. Meathooks often have a pointed tip or barb at the end of the hook, which aids in piercing the meat and providing a stronger grip.
The term "meathook" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation, event, or circumstance that is particularly disturbing, violent, or harrowing in nature. This figurative usage draws upon the graphic imagery associated with the physical hook used in a butchery context. It is often utilized to depict a situation or concept that is emotionally or mentally distressing, evoking a sense of fear, brutality, or shock.
In summary, a meathook is a tool used in the meat industry for lifting, moving, or hanging meat. It features a large, long, and curved metal hook designed to securely hold and transport meat pieces. Additionally, the term "meathook" can be employed figuratively to describe a deeply distressing or shocking situation or idea.
The word "meathook" is derived from the combination of two words: "meat" and "hook".
The term "meat" comes from the Old English word "mete", which meant "food" or "flesh". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "maz", meaning "food" or "meat", and the Old Norse word "matr", meaning "food".
The word "hook" has Middle English origins and can be traced back to the Old English word "hoc", meaning "hook" or "beak". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Dutch word "haak" and the German word "Haken".
When combined, the two words form "meathook", referring to a hook-like tool or device used for handling or suspending meat.
