hunky

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; from obsolete New York City slang term hunk, used especially by boys at play for home base,home (the goal); from Dutch honk “post, station, base, home” + -y¹; see also hunky-dory

Words nearby hunky

hunker, hunker down, hunkers, Hunkpapa, hunks, hunky, hunky-dory, Hunner's ulcer, Hunnish, Huns, hunt

Other definitions for hunky (2 of 3)

hunky²

[ huhng-kee ]

/ ˈhʌŋ ki /

adjective, hunk·i·er, hunk·i·est.

Slang. (of a male) handsome and having well-developed physique.

Origin of hunky

First recorded in 1910–15; hunk + -y¹

Other definitions for hunky (3 of 3)

hunky³

or hunk·ie

[ huhng-kee ]

/ ˈhʌŋ ki /

noun, plural hunk·ies.(sometimes initial capital letter)Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Hungarian or Slavic descent, especially an unskilled or semiskilled worker.

Origin of hunky

First recorded in 1905–10; (bo)hunk + -y²

How to use hunky in a sentence

It is one thing to keep going when everything is hunky-dory, when you are making swift and observable progress.
The Mental Benefits of Being Terrible at Something|Brad Stulberg|May 14, 2021|Outside Online
The NCAA even got in on the act, and—quelle surprise—also determined that everything was hunky-dory.
Sham Classes and Crime Coverups Are the NCAA Normal|Robert Silverman|June 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sam Claflin—hunky, pretty, beautiful Sam Claflin—won the highly sought-after role.
‘Hunger Games’ Star Sam Claflin Is as Surprised as You Are That He Was Cast as Finnick Odair|Kevin Fallon|November 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There is no doubt that men can do it, though; Hinds admits he encountered an attempt to cast him in the hunky house-husband role.
Pop Culture’s House Husbands Lag Behind the Reality in American Homes|Soraya Roberts|June 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The velvet-covered book features 42 hunky men in different locations around the country.
Tel Aviv: The New Gay Travel Hotspot|Itay Hod|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Hardly anyone could be more blue collar than Palin, out on the fishing boat with her hunky blue-collar husband, Todd.
Conservatism Wise and Unwise|David Frum|November 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Sometimes she will come running in, and say, "I am so hunky dory I don't know what to do; want sonton to neat."
Harper's Young People, April 20, 1880|Various
"Hunky" bread-puddings and eggless, faintly-sweetened rice puddings, and pies of various kinds, represent dessert.
The Secret of a Happy Home (1896)|Marion Harland
You're all right, and the spot is hunky-dory, and it's the durned old boat hez made the mistake, begosh!
The Jimmyjohn Boss and Other Stories|Owen Wister
Before he could think how he should act, a response came to the call from Hunky Ben.
Charlie to the Rescue|R.M. Ballantyne
Without leaving the boat, fishing arm-deep into the brush, he announced, "All hunky-dory."
Dutch Courage and Other Stories|Jack London

hunky

Origin of hunky

Words nearby hunky

Other definitions for hunky (2 of 3)

Origin of hunky

Other definitions for hunky (3 of 3)

or hunk·ie

Origin of hunky

Words related to hunky

How to use hunky in a sentence