Meaning & Definition of word "Hickey"

Hickey

/ˈhɪki/

noun:

  • 1. a temporary mark or bruise caused by suction on the skin, often seen as a love bite.
    • Example: She had a noticeable hickey on her neck after their romantic encounter.
  • 2. a mark or flaw in a surface, often used in printing or manufacturing contexts.
    • Example: The print had a hickey that ruined the otherwise perfect design.

Etymology

Perhaps from the 1930s, associated with the act of 'hick', an informal term for a rural person.

Common Phrases and Expressions

love bite:

A term often used synonymously with hickey, implying it is a mark of affection.

sucker mark:

Another phrase for a hickey, highlighting the method of its creation.

Related Words

bruise:

An injury appearing as a discoloration on the skin from bleeding caused by trauma.

suction:

The act of drawing in or pulling something through a vacuum or pressure.

Slang Meanings of hickey

Meaning: A temporary mark or bruise left usually on the neck from passionate kissing.

Example Sentence: He pulled her closer and gave her a hickey.

Meaning: To create a hickey on someone's skin.

Example Sentence: He couldn't resist hickeying her during their make-out session.