hunkers

hunkers

A man hunkers down to tie his shoe.

Definition

  1. Noun (plural):

    • Hips or haunches: "hunkers" refers to the area of the body around the hips and buttocks, particularly in the context of sitting or crouching.
    • Sitting position: The phrase "on one's hunkers" means to sit in a squatting position, with the knees bent and the weight resting on the balls of the feet.

  2. Verb (third-person singular of "hunker"):

    • To crouch or squat: "hunkers" can also be the present tense form of the verb "hunker," meaning to lower oneself into a squatting posture, often for stability or concealment.
    • To settle in: In informal use, "hunkers" can imply settling into a place or position, as in "hunkers down" for comfort or preparation.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • He sat on his hunkers by the fire, warming his hands. (He sat in a squatting position, resting on his haunches.)
    • The child was on her hunkers, playing with the dirt. (The child was squatting down.)

  • Verb:

    • She hunkers behind the bush to hide from her friends. (She crouches down low to conceal herself.)
    • The old man hunkers in his chair every evening. (He settles into a seated position comfortably.)
Advanced Usage

  • "on one's hunkers": an idiomatic phrase meaning in a squatting position.

    • The workers were on their hunkers, repairing the machine from below. (They were squatting to reach lower parts.)

  • "to hunker down": a common phrasal verb meaning to settle into a position for a long period, often for protection or preparation.

    • During the storm, they hunkered down in the basement. (They stayed low and waited safely.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Hunker (verb): the base form meaning to crouch or squat.

    • He had to hunker under the low branch. (He bent his knees to avoid hitting his head.)

  • Hunkered (adjective): describing a person or animal in a crouched position.

    • The hunkered cat watched the mouse intently. (The cat was low to the ground, ready to pounce.)
Synonyms
  • Haunches: the fleshy part of the body around the hips and upper thighs.
  • Squat: to lower the body by bending the knees.
  • Crouch: to bend the knees and lower the body, often with the back rounded.
Related Idioms

  • Hunker down: to prepare for a difficult situation by staying in one place.

    • We need to hunker down and study for the exam. (We must focus and work hard.)

  • Sit on one's hunkers: to squat or rest in a low position.

    • He sat on his hunkers to tie his shoes. (He squatted down to reach his laces.)