hork

verb /hɔrk/

Origin

Likely derived from a combination of "hawk" (to clear one's throat) and "barf" (to vomit).

Meanings

1. To spit or cough up phlegm forcefully.
2. To vomit or retch.
3. (slang) To steal or take something without permission.

Example Sentences

1. "He horked up a nasty glob of phlegm after his morning run."
2. "The smell was so bad, I thought I was going to hork."
3. "Someone horked my lunch from the office fridge!"

Related Words

• Forms: horked, horking
• Synonyms:
  • (for spitting) expectorate, hawk, gob
  • (for vomiting) puke, retch, upchuck
  • (for stealing) pilfer, swipe, filch

Memorization Trick

Think of the sound "hork" as the noise someone might make when clearing their throat forcefully or starting to vomit. The harsh, guttural sound of the word mimics the action it describes.