Hankerin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, a "hankerin’" means a strong craving or desire, often for food but also for anything you’ve got a notion to do.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
The word 'hankerin’ is still in wide use down here. I always think of that old commercial from Saturday mornin' cartoons: 'hanker for a hunk of cheese,' voiced by the H.R. Pufnstuf guy. Hillbilly Dude Says...
The word 'hankerin’ is still in wide use down here. I always think of that old commercial from Saturday mornin' cartoons: 'hanker for a hunk of cheese,' voiced by the H.R. Pufnstuf guy. Pronunciation
[HANG-ker-in]
Meaning & Usage
- A strong craving or desire (noun)
Mae:
Why’d you bake two pies?
Why’d you bake two pies?
Earl:
Had me a hankerin’ that wouldn’t quit.
Had me a hankerin’ that wouldn’t quit.- An urge to do something (noun, figurative)
Mae:
What you up to?
What you up to?
Earl:
Got a hankerin’ to pick a little on the banjo.
Got a hankerin’ to pick a little on the banjo.variations: cravin’, longin’, yearnin’, itchin’ for, got a hankerin’ for pie, hankerin’ to go fishin’
★ A "hankerin’" is usually lighthearted - it doesn’t mean desperate need, just a strong, persistent want. ★
Origin and Etymology
Dates back to the early 1600s in English as "hanker," meaning to linger or have a lingering desire. Settled deeply into Southern and Appalachian speech, where "hankerin’" became a staple word.
Usage Notes
Still common across the South and Appalachia. Outsiders may use it playfully, but it feels most authentic in a country or folksy voice.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "hang-ker-in." The "g" is dropped: "hankerin’."