hanky

IPA/ˈhæŋki/
KK[hˈæŋki]IPA/ˈhæŋki/

hanky — noun

  • hankysingular
  • hankiesplural

1. a small square of soft fabric or disposable paper that people carry in their poc

1.nounB1
Definition

a small square of soft fabric or disposable paper that people carry in their pocket, bag, or sleeve to wipe their nose, dry their eyes, or blow their nose — the casual, friendly word for handkerchief

Example

Wei pulled a clean hanky from his pocket and handed it to the crying child.

collocation: clean hanky / pull a hanky from one's pocket

On cold winter mornings, Sofia always stuffs a warm hanky into her coat sleeve.

collocation: stuff a hanky into [place]

Common collocations
  • clean hanky
  • dirty hanky
  • cotton hanky
  • paper hanky
  • silk hanky
  • fold a hanky
  • blow one's nose into a hanky
  • wipe one's eyes with a hanky
  • tuck a hanky into one's pocket
Synonyms
  • handkerchief

    the full, more formal name for the same item; used in writing and formal contexts

  • tissue

    a disposable paper version, more common in modern households for blowing one's nose

  • kerchief

    an older, less common word; usually refers to a cloth worn on the head or around the neck rather than used for the nose

Grammar Patterns

a + hanky

possessive + hanky

Usage Note

Very common in everyday speech, especially with children or when talking about minor everyday needs. The full form handkerchief sounds more formal or old-fashioned and is preferred in writing, formal situations, and when referring to a fashion accessory worn in a suit pocket.

Common Mistakes

The bride cried, so her mother passed her a hanky.
The bride cried, so her mother passed her a handkerchief.
Weddings are formal occasions where the full word handkerchief is more suitable than the casual hanky.
I forgot my hanky at home, so I used my sleeve.
I forgot my handkerchief at home, so I used my sleeve.
In a complaint or explanation to an adult, the full word sounds more natural. However, 'hanky' is fine in casual conversation with friends or family.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Hanky, handkerchief, and tissue all refer to something you use to wipe your nose or eyes, but they differ in formality and material. Handkerchief is the full, original name for a square of cloth kept in a pocket; it is neutral to formal and is the standard word in writing. Hanky is its casual, affectionate diminutive — like saying 'blankie' instead of 'blanket' — and is common in relaxed conversation, especially with children or family. Tissue refers specifically to a disposable paper product, sold in boxes or packets, and has largely replaced the cloth handkerchief for everyday nose-blowing in many households. In modern use, a person might say 'Do you have a tissue?' in an office, but 'Let me get you a hanky, sweetie' to a child with a runny nose. The choice signals both the material (cloth vs. paper) and the social closeness of the situation.

hanky ↗handkerchief ↗tissue ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • blow one's nose with a ~
  • wipe one's eyes with a ~
  • tuck a ~ into
  • pull out a ~

Prepositions

  • in one's pocket
  • out of one's pocket
  • up one's sleeve
  • into one's bag

Etymology

Old FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Hanky is a shortened, affectionate form of handkerchief, created by attaching the diminutive suffix -y/-ie (the same ending seen in doggy, kitty, tummy, and blankie). The full word handkerchief entered English in the 1500s from hand + kerchief (a piece of cloth for covering the head, from Old French couvrechief). By the late 1800s, English speakers had softened the long formal word into the catchy, child-friendly hanky. The first recorded use in writing is from 1878.