Writing Tip 327: “Hank” vs. “Hunk”

Oh no, a hank or a hunk? This one always seems to confuse!

Just when you think I’m going to be writing this tip about a guy named Hank who may or may not be a dreamy hunk, think again.

There are two words that mean a section of something, and these two words are “hank” and “hunk”; however, there’s a big difference between their two meanings. And it has nothing to do with their dreaminess factor.

For example, if you had a tangle of yarn, you’d have a hank of yarn, not a hunk of yarn. Do you know why?

A “hank” is a coil, knot, or loop, often of a definite length. You can have a hank of yarn or a hank of hair.
A “hunk” is a piece or portion. You can have a hunk of cheese or a hunk of clay.

If it resembles threads, cords, or twine, use “hank.” If it’s a big chunk of something that’s not stringy, use “hunk.”

Of course,

“Hank” is also a male name, often a shortened form of “Henry.”
A “hunk” is also a studmuffin.

A Hank may be a hunk, but that’s beside the point of this reminder.

Happy writing, folks!

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