Hanker vs. Wanker — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Hanker means to have a strong desire or craving, often for something specific, whereas wanker is a derogatory British slang term used to describe a contemptible person.
Difference Between Hanker and Wanker
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hanker refers to a strong, often persistent desire for something, typically reflecting a deep yearning or craving. On the other hand, wanker is a derogatory term commonly used in British English to insult someone, implying that they are foolish or despicable.
While hanker can apply to a wide range of desires, whether they are for physical items, experiences, or abstract concepts, wanker is exclusively used in interpersonal contexts to express disdain or criticism towards an individual's behavior or character.
The use of hanker is generally neutral and can be seen in a positive or sympathetic light, indicating sincere longing. Conversely, wanker is explicitly negative and offensive, used to demean or belittle someone.
Hanker originates from the 17th century, possibly from Dutch or Low German, relating to lingering or loitering with intent. Wanker, however, is believed to have surfaced in the 1950s in British English, derived from the verb "wank," which is vulgar slang for masturbation, thereby enhancing its derogatory nature.
Hanker may be used in both literary and everyday contexts to depict a deep, emotional condition of missing or wanting. In contrast, wanker is casual and crude, typically restricted to informal speech and aimed at delivering a sharp, mocking insult.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Have a strong desire or craving
Derogatory term for a foolish person
Context
Desires, both tangible and intangible
Insulting another person
Connotation
Neutral or positive
Negative and offensive
Etymology
17th century, Dutch/German roots
1950s, from British slang
Usage in Speech
Literary and everyday
Informal and derogatory
Compare with Definitions
Hanker
Long for a return to something.
They hankered for the days of their youth.
Wanker
An offensive term used in heated arguments.
I’ve had enough of your lies, you wanker!
Hanker
Feel a strong desire for or to do something.
She hankered after a vacation in Europe.
Wanker
An insulting term for a person regarded as foolish or obnoxious.
Don’t listen to him; he’s just a wanker.
Hanker
Crave something.
I'm hankering for some homemade cookies.
Wanker
British slang for a contemptible person.
That guy is a real wanker, always bragging about himself.
Hanker
Wish for something deeply.
She hankered for a chance to prove herself.
Wanker
Derogatory term referring to self-indulgent behavior.
Stop acting like a wanker and help out.
Hanker
Yearn to be or do something.
He always hankered to be an artist.
Wanker
Used to express anger or disdain toward someone.
He cut me off in traffic, what a wanker!
Hanker
To have a strong, often restless desire.
Wanker
Wanker is literally "one who wanks (masturbates)", but is most often used as a general insult. It is a pejorative term of English origin common in Britain and other parts of the English-speaking world (mainly Commonwealth nations), including Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Hanker
To crave, want or desire.
If you hanker for chocolate, you'll like this fudge recipe.
Wanker
A person, especially a man, who masturbates.
Hanker
To long (for) with a keen appetite and uneasiness; to have a vehement desire; - usually with for or after; as, to hanker after fruit; to hanker after the diversions of the town.
He was hankering to join his friend.
Wanker
A foolish or detestable person.
Hanker
To linger in expectation or with desire.
Wanker
A person who wanks.
Hanker
Desire strongly or persistently
Wanker
An idiot, a stupid person.
Wanker
An annoying person.
Wanker
An ineffectual person.
Wanker
Someone who shows off too much, a poser or poseur; someone who is overly self-satisfied.
Wanker
A very informal address used between friends.
Wanker
A salted, and lightly smoked herring or mackerel; a bloater.
Wanker
Terms of abuse for a masturbator
Common Curiosities
How are "hanker" and "wanker" used differently in speech?
Hanker is used to express genuine desires and can appear in various contexts, while wanker is strictly informal and derogatory.
What does "hanker" express?
Hanker expresses a deep longing or desire for something.
What is the origin of the term "wanker"?
Wanker originates from British slang in the 1950s, derived from the verb "wank."
Can "wanker" be used playfully among friends?
In some contexts, "wanker" might be used playfully among friends, but it's important to understand the tone and relationship dynamics.
Why is "wanker" considered offensive?
Wanker is considered offensive because it derogates a person by comparing them to someone engaged in a demeaning act.
Is "hanker" ever used negatively?
Typically, hanker is not used negatively but rather to express sincere yearnings.
What types of desires does "hanker" refer to?
Hanker can refer to desires for physical items, experiences, or emotional states.
How is "hanker" viewed in different cultures?
In various cultures, "hanker" might be seen as a poetic or deeply emotional term, often viewed positively.
Can "hanker" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "hanker" can be appropriately used in formal and literary contexts.
Is there a polite equivalent to "wanker"?
A more polite term might be "fool" or "jerk," depending on the context.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
