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Meaning of Word

Hickey refers to a temporary bruise or mark caused by suction on the skin, often as a result of kissing or sucking on the skin.

Definitions and Meaning in English

• Hickey (noun): A mark or bruise on the skin caused by sucking or biting, commonly found on the neck or other soft areas of the skin.
• Meaning in English: A small, red or purple mark on the skin that typically appears after a kiss or sucking motion, often seen as a sign of affection or intimacy.

History and Origin

The word hickey has uncertain origins but is believed to have been used in American English as early as the 1880s. Its association with “sucking” or “biting” likely relates to the actions that cause these marks. Over time, the term became widely used to describe the physical mark, especially in adolescent and young adult cultures. The word is also thought to have roots in slang, evolving from earlier terms for similar types of skin markings.

Detailed Explanation

A hickey is essentially a bruise that forms on the skin due to the suction or biting of the skin’s surface, often during passionate kissing. This type of mark results from broken blood vessels under the skin, which causes the blood to pool, giving it a reddish, purple, or bluish appearance. Hickeys are most commonly seen on the neck but can appear anywhere on the body where the skin is soft and pliable. While they are usually harmless, they can be considered embarrassing or inappropriate in certain social or professional settings. The term “hickey” is mostly used informally, and the mark is sometimes seen as a playful or romantic gesture between partners.

Example Sentences

1. After their passionate kiss, he noticed a small hickey forming on her neck.
2. She tried to hide the hickey with a scarf, but it was still noticeable.
3. The couple laughed, knowing that the red hickey on her neck was a result of their late-night kiss.
4. He regretted getting the hickey on his neck before his job interview the next morning.
5. Jane joked that her new hickey was a badge of honor after an intense make-out session.
6. The hickey on his arm turned purple the next day, but it was gone within a week.
7. She carefully covered the hickey with makeup so no one would notice at work.
8. After realizing he had left a hickey, he quickly apologized for being too enthusiastic.
9. The hickey on her wrist was a playful reminder of the fun weekend they had together.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Kiss mark – Another term for a mark left by a kiss, often used to refer to a hickey.
2. Love bite – A more affectionate or romantic term for a hickey, emphasizing the intimacy of the gesture.
3. Suction mark – Describes the mark left on the skin due to suction or a similar action that causes a bruise.
4. Bite mark – A more general term for any mark caused by biting, which can sometimes be used to describe a hickey.
5. Bruise – A broad term for any discoloration of the skin due to broken blood vessels, of which a hickey is a specific type.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Suck – The action of drawing in air or liquid by creating a vacuum, often associated with causing a hickey.
2. Bite – To use teeth to grip something, which can sometimes result in a hickey.
3. Mark – A visible sign or blemish on the skin, of which a hickey is a type.
4. Necking – A slang term for passionate kissing, which can often lead to a hickey.
5. Suction – The act of pulling air or fluid into the mouth, which causes the blood vessels to break, resulting in a hickey.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Love scratch – A mark or light scratch made during passionate interaction, similar in context but different in nature from a hickey.
2. Passionate kiss – The act of kissing in an affectionate and intense manner, which can sometimes cause a hickey.
3. Lip bite – When someone bites their lip playfully or as a sign of affection, it can sometimes leave a mark similar to a hickey.
4. Handprint – A mark left by a hand, which can sometimes be seen in the context of intimate gestures, like those that might create a hickey.
5. Tease – To provoke or provoke someone playfully, which could lead to actions that result in a hickey.

Antonyms

1. Clear skin – Describes skin without any marks or blemishes, the opposite of a hickey.
2. Innocent kiss – A kiss that does not leave any physical marks on the skin, unlike a hickey.
3. Smooth skin – Skin that is free of bruises or marks, in contrast to the appearance of a hickey.
4. Untouched – Describes something that has not been altered or marked, the opposite of a hickey.
5. Invisible mark – A mark that is not visible on the skin, in contrast to the noticeable hickey.