Hickey Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪki/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A bruise or discoloration caused by sucking or biting, typically on the skin.

Examples

• The child got a hickey from playing with her siblings.
• The partygoer had a noticeable hickey on her neck.

Synonyms

• Bruise
• Love bite

Etymology

The word “hickey” is derived from the Old English words “hicca” meaning “a sucking or biting” and ” cicca” meaning “a bite or wound”.

Usage Notes

Hickey is typically used to describe a mark caused by intimate physical contact, and its usage can be sensitive or embarrassing in certain contexts.

Cultural References

Hickey has appeared in popular culture, including music lyrics, literature, and film, often symbolizing a romantic or intimate relationship.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Give someone a hickey” means to mark or bruise someone’s skin, often in a romantic or playful manner.

Related Words or Phrases

• Love bite
• Bruise
• Mark

Collocations

• Hickey on the neck
• Hickey on the arm

Frequency of Use

The word “hickey” is relatively common in informal contexts, but usage can vary depending on cultural and social norms.

Common Misspellings

• Heckie
• Hickee