Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small square piece of cloth or soft paper used for wiping the eyes or nose: A "hanky" is a small, portable item for personal hygiene, typically carried in a pocket or purse.
   • A decorative square of cloth used as a costume accessory: A "hanky" can also refer to a similar piece of cloth, often more decorative, used as an accessory in clothing or dance.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She pulled a lace hanky from her sleeve to dab her tears. (She used a small decorative cloth to gently dry her eyes.)
  • Don't forget to carry a clean hanky in your pocket. (Remember to have a clean piece of cloth for personal use with you.)
  • The dancers waved colorful hankies during the performance. (The performers used bright squares of cloth as part of their dance.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pocket hanky": A handkerchief carried in a pocket, often folded neatly.
  • A white pocket hanky is a classic accessory for a suit.
• "To cry into one's hanky": To weep, often implying self-pity or melodrama.
  • She was left to cry into her hanky after the argument.

Variants and Related Words

• Handkerchief (n): The full, more formal term for "hanky."
  • He offered her his silk handkerchief.
• Kerbchief (n): A less common, archaic variant.
• Hankie (n): An alternative, equally informal spelling of "hanky."

Synonyms

• Handkerchief: The standard synonym.
• Kerbchief: An archaic synonym.
• Tissue: A modern disposable alternative made of paper, though not cloth.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To throw in the hanky/towel": To admit defeat or give up. (Note: "Towel" is the more common word in this idiom; "hanky" is a playful or rare substitution).
  • After hours of trying to fix the computer, he threw in the hanky and called for help.

Noun

1. a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory