hobnail

Meanings

• noun

  A type of shoe or boot with heavy, projecting nails or studs on the sole, providing extra traction and protection.

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with hobnail
boil , oil , soil , coil

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Variants

List of all variants of hobnail that leads to same result
hobnail , hobnailed , hobnails , hobnail boot

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Originally from Old English 'hoban', meaning 'to hop' or 'to leap'. The term 'hobnail' comes from the hobnails used on the soles of shoes, which helped the wearer to 'hop' or 'leap' more effectively.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. Hobnails were commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries for work boots and military boots.

2. The use of hobnails declined with the advent of rubber soles and other advanced footwear technologies.

3. In some countries, hobnails are still used in traditional footwear, such as the 'Gaborone' sandals in Botswana.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Boots: Hobnails are commonly found on the soles of work boots and hiking boots.

2. Traction: Hobnails provide extra traction, making them ideal for use in slippery or uneven terrain.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, hobnails have been used as a symbol of working-class culture and ruggedness. For instance, in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped', the character David Balfour wears a pair of hobnailed shoes during his adventures. In music, the term 'hobnail' has been used in songs to describe tough, durable, and working-class individuals.

How to Memorize "hobnail"

1. visualize
   

   - Visualize a heavy-duty work boot with large, projecting nails on the sole. Imagine the extra grip and protection these hobnails provide.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'hobnail' with the image of a rugged, hardworking person wearing a pair of hobnailed boots.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic by remembering the phrase 'Hobnail Helps Hikers Hop Higher' to memorize the meaning of the word.

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