HUNCH UP Meaning and
Definition
-
Hunch up is a verb phrase that has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. The most common definition of hunch up refers to the physical act of bending forward, stooping, or curling one's body into a rounded or huddled position. It often implies a defensive or protective gesture, where the shoulders are raised, and the back is curved inward. This physical movement may occur as a reaction to cold weather, discomfort, fear, anxiety, or as a natural response to protect oneself from harm. For example, if someone feels cold, they may hunch up their shoulders and bring their arms closer to their body in an attempt to conserve heat and shield themselves.
Another interpretation of hunch up is to gather or cluster into a compact or crowded formation. This can refer to objects or individuals that are brought together closely, often in a disordered or cramped manner. For instance, a group of people might hunch up under a small umbrella during heavy rain, or clothes may hunch up in the corner of a suitcase when packed hurriedly.
Additionally, hunch up can be used metaphorically to describe the act of gathering or accumulating something intangible or abstract. In this sense, it suggests accumulating suspicions, ideas, or plans without solid evidence or foundation. For example, detectives may hunch up clues or hunch up theories to develop a hypothesis when solving a case.
Overall, hunch up encompasses physical movements, gathering closely, and metaphorical accumulation, depending on the context in which it is used.
Common Misspellings for HUNCH UP
- hunch up
- uunch up
- yunch up
- hynch up
- hhnch up
- hjnch up
- hinch up
- h8nch up
- h7nch up
- hubch up
- humch up
- hujch up
- huhch up
- hunxh up
- hunvh up
- hunfh up
- hundh up
- huncg up
- huncb up
- huncn up
Etymology of HUNCH UP
The word "hunch" originates from Middle English, specifically around the 16th century. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Old English word "hunccean" or "hyncgan", which means "to lift, bow, or stoop". The verb "hunccean" might have come from the Old Norse word "hokra", meaning "to crouch or huddle".
The addition of the preposition "up" to "hunch" creates the phrasal verb "hunch up". "Up" in this context signifies the action of raising or contracting something. Hence, when someone hunches up, they huddle or stoop, often pulling their shoulders or body inward.
Idioms with the word HUNCH UP
-
hunch up
The idiom "hunch up" means to draw one's shoulders up to one's neck or to huddle or curl up in a defensive or protective manner. It can also refer to adopting a posture of suspicion or apprehension.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
