What does hooked mean?
Hooked is a versatile form of the English word hook. Literally, it describes something that is curved like a hook, attached or caught by a hook, or the action of hooking something. It also has a widely used informal meaning: to be hooked on something is to be intensely interested in it or unable to stop pursuing it, as in becoming hooked on a new series, hobby, or activity. The word can therefore suggest both physical entanglement and strong emotional or intellectual fascination. In everyday use, hooked often conveys a stronger, more lasting enthusiasm than simply liking something. As a verb form, hooked is the past tense and past participle of hook. Although the literal and figurative senses share the same physical imagery, the figurative use is generally less formal and often appears with the preposition on. In the context of an activity, the expression can imply that the person has become absorbed or obsessed with it.
Curved or shaped like a hook; attached or caught by a hook; informally, extremely enthusiastic about or addicted to something.
"The singer wore a jacket with a hooked collar, and the audience was hooked from the first song."
The sense of being enthusiastically absorbed is informal and is often followed by on.
The past tense and past participle of hook, meaning to catch or fasten with a hook, or to attract and hold someone's attention.
"The angler hooked a small fish and reeled it toward the bank."
In informal figurative use, hooked can mean that someone has become intensely enthusiastic about or addicted to something.
From catching fish with a hook to becoming completely absorbed in a new hobby, hooked captures the moment when something catches your attention—and refuses to let go.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hooked come from?
Hooked derives from hook, whose Middle English form was hok and whose ultimate source is Old English hōc, meaning a hook or angle. The adjective and verb forms developed as the regular inflectional and participial forms of that inherited noun and verb. Related forms such as unhook and hookless were formed from the same native base, while hookup reflects the same productive use of hook in English.
How hooked is actually used
The informal sense meaning enthusiastic or addicted is especially common in phrases such as hooked on and get hooked. The literal senses are understood throughout Britain and the United States.
Easily confused with hooked
Hooked describes a shape that curves like a hook or something attached by a hook, whereas crooked means bent, twisted, or dishonest.
Hooked means attached, curved, or informally addicted, while hocked refers to the hock, or back part of the knee, and can also mean pawned.