Hankering
Meaning: A strong craving or desire for something, especially food.
Having a hankering means you've got a persistent craving that won't go away. Southerners most often use it about food ('I've got a hankering for some fried chicken'), but it can apply to any strong desire. It implies a longing that's been building up.
Examples
- I've got a hankering for some biscuits and gravy this morning. 今天早上我特别馋饼干配肉汁。Esta mañana me ha entrado un antojo tremendo de galletas con salsa de carne.今朝、ビスケット&グレービーが無性に食べたいんだよね。오늘 아침에 비스킷 앤 그레이비가 무척 먹고 싶어.
- She's had a hankering to visit Nashville ever since she heard that song. 自从听了那首歌,她就一直心心念念想去纳什维尔。Desde que oyó esa canción, se muere de ganas de visitar Nashville.あの曲を聴いてからずっとナッシュビルに行きたくてたまらないんだって。그 노래를 듣고 나서 줄곧 내슈빌에 가고 싶어 안달이래.
- Something about this cold weather gives me a hankering for chili. 这种冷天气不知怎么让我特别想吃辣椒炖肉。Con este frío me entran unas ganas locas de un buen chili.この寒さのせいで、チリが無性に食べたくなるんだよね。이 추운 날씨 때문에 칠리가 무성하게 땡겨.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: food cravings, desires, casual conversation
Tone: casual, wistful
✓ Do Say
- I've got a hankering for barbecue.我特别馋烧烤。Tengo un antojo de barbacoa.バーベキューが無性に食べたい。바비큐가 먹고 싶어 안달이야.
- Had a hankering to go fishing.特别想去钓鱼。Me entraron unas ganas locas de ir a pescar.釣りに行きたくてうずうずしてたんだ。낚시하러 가고 싶어 죽겠었어.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use for urgent needs — a hankering is a craving, not a necessity不要用于紧急需求——hankering是一种馋,不是必需品No lo uses para necesidades urgentes — un 'hankering' es un antojo, no una necesidad緊急の必要性には使わないこと——hankeringは「渇望」であって「必需」ではない급한 필요에는 사용하지 말 것 — hankering은 갈망이지 필수품이 아니다
Origin & History
Possibly from the Dutch 'hankeren' meaning to long for or desire. The word entered American English in the 1600s and became particularly associated with Southern and rural speech.
Cultural Context
Era: Traditional
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Throughout the South and rural America
More From This Topic
More from Regional: Southern
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