a hint of punk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of punk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a subtle influence or element of punk style or attitude, often in fashion, music, or art. Example: "Her outfit had a hint of punk, with the leather jacket and studded accessories complementing her otherwise classic look."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There's even a hint of punk.

Independent

The graphism, the spiky hair and flat shoes all gave the collection a hint of punk, providing an edge to the show.

The New York Times

A lot of Jeff's stuff has a very punky vibe this time; the stuff I write sounds thrashy but with a hint of punk, and when Jeff writes the stuff is more punk with a hint of thrash.

Wikipedia

Dress to show off the fact that you play video games without being nerdy with a hint of punk, something like a hat and/or a shirt with game titles or funny saying like "playing games, 'be back soon" with a pair of skinny jeans and maybe a leather jacket, along with a pair of vans holds it all together nicely.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As with Wallace's "Infinite Jest," in "The Savage Detectives" Bolaño delivered a genuine epic inocu­lated against grandiosity by humane irony, vernacular wit and a hint of punk-rock self-effacement.

The New York Times - Books

The music's on the cusp of psych and prog, with more than a pre-emptive hint of punk's screw-you swagger.

The Guardian - Music

My signature style was punk with a hint of goth, a splash of indie and a whole lot of no idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Estes, 22, who plays bass in the North Jersey punk (with a hint of country) band Cropduster, says: "We want to go into the music business and make change.

The New York Times

The show climaxes with the Rock Cats, a six piece caterwaul of sound, with strummed toy guitars and pounded miniature keyboards and drum kits, all backed by Cluck Norris pecking a tambourine (Vice magazine, with only a hint of irony, dubbed them the most punk rock band of the last 20 years).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What's different is that there is a slightly harder, almost punk attitude — with a hint of Art Deco.

The New York Times

It's not merely that the trio's sound is wildly eclectic and inventive, although it is: over the course of its 34 minutes, Dead variously offers nagging melodies, electronic experimentation, wheezing harmoniums, pounding beats that sound like they were inspired by 70s art-punks Suicide, and a hint of the rhythmic clatter of South African Shagaan electro.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a style, use "a hint of punk" to suggest a subtle rather than overt influence. It's effective for conveying a nuanced impression.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of punk" when the subject exhibits very clear or dominant punk characteristics. Reserve it for instances where the punk element is understated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of punk" functions as a noun phrase acting as a modifier. It describes the subtle presence of punk characteristics in something else, as supported by Ludwig's examples where it's used to describe style, music, and attitude.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hint of punk" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing something that incorporates subtle punk elements without being overtly punk. According to Ludwig, this phrase typically appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the punk influence is understated to maintain accuracy. While "a hint of punk" might be too informal for certain formal contexts, its neutrality allows for broad usage. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes that this phrase is best used to convey nuance and suggestion rather than direct association with the punk subculture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of punk influence

Replaces "hint" with "touch" and adds "influence" for emphasis.

a dash of punk spirit

Substitutes "hint" with "dash" and "punk" with "punk spirit" for a slightly different tone.

a subtle punk element

Uses "subtle" instead of "hint" and "element" instead of "of punk", focusing on the characteristic.

an underlying punk vibe

Replaces "hint" with "underlying" and uses "vibe" to capture the feeling or atmosphere.

a suggestion of punk style

Uses "suggestion" instead of "hint" and "style" to specify the aspect being hinted at.

a trace of punk aesthetic

Employs "trace" instead of "hint" and "aesthetic" to highlight the visual or artistic aspect.

a whisper of punk rebellion

Substitutes "hint" with "whisper" and "punk" with "punk rebellion", adding an element of defiance.

a mere shadow of punk

Uses "shadow" to indicate a faint or subtle presence of punk influence.

a fleeting glimpse of punk attitude

Replaces "hint" with "fleeting glimpse" and adds "attitude" to emphasize the behavioral aspect.

an echo of punk origins

Employs "echo" to suggest a faint reminder of punk's roots or beginnings.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of punk" in a sentence?

Use "a hint of punk" to describe something that incorporates subtle elements of punk style or attitude without being overtly punk. For example, "The design featured traditional elements with "a hint of punk", like ripped details and safety pins."

What are some alternatives to "a hint of punk"?

Some alternatives include "a touch of punk", "a dash of punk", or "a subtle punk element", each conveying a slightly different nuance of understated punk influence.

Is it appropriate to use "a hint of punk" in formal writing?

While "a hint of punk" is generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "a subtle punk influence" might be more suitable.

What distinguishes "a hint of punk" from "punk rock"?

"A hint of punk" suggests a minor influence or element of punk style, whereas "punk rock" refers to the music genre or the broader punk subculture. "Punk rock" implies a more substantial connection to the punk movement, while ""a hint of punk"" suggests just a trace or suggestion of it.