hickey

or hick·ie

[ hik-ee ]

noun

1. Slang.
   1. a pimple.
   2. a reddish mark left on the skin by a passionate kiss.
2. any device or gadget whose name is not known or is momentarily forgotten.
3. Electricity. a fitting used to mount a lighting fixture in an outlet box or on a pipe or stud.
4. a tool used to bend tubes and pipes.

hickey

/ ˈhɪkɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   an object or gadget: used as a name when the correct name is forgotten, etc; doodah
2. informal.
   a mark on the skin, esp a lovebite
3. printing a spot on a printed sheet caused by an imperfection or a speck on the printing plate

Word History and Origins

Origin of hickey¹

An Americanism dating from 1905–10 of obscure origin; senses under hickey def 1 perhaps a separate word, though the development “device,” from “defective device,” from “defect, blemish, mark” is also possible; doohickey

Word History and Origins

Origin of hickey¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Every episode must incorporate music and life skills, said Rich Hickey, chief creative officer.

From Los Angeles Times

“Every day, we’re reminding ourselves that we’ve got a responsibility to a huge audience, globally,” Hickey said.

From Los Angeles Times

It means Scotland have won just once in their last 14 outings as Clarke contends with a series of injuries to key players with Arsenal's Kieran Tierney and Brentford's Aaron Hickey both still missing.

From BBC

He gets his chance to impress with Hickey and Patterson on the sidelines.

From BBC

Michael Hickey was awarded £1.02m and Vincent Hickey received £550,000 but, in each case, a 25% deduction was made from the section of their compensation which reflected their loss of earnings while in prison.

From BBC

Related Words

• blot
• blotch
• bruise
• discoloration
• freckle
• imperfection
• pimple
• scar
• smudge
• snag
• stain
• stigma
• wart