hunk of junk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunk of junk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is old and now relatively useless, in a humorous or lighthearted way. For example: "My old car is a hunk of junk. I need to get rid of it soon!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"What is that hunk of junk, anyway?" Marlon asked.

The New Yorker

All the more pity, the author laments, that it's such a hunk of junk.

The New York Times - Books

If Han's not still flying the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, I want my money back already.

The Guardian - Film

"You can reach into that bag of letters and pull out nirvana, or you can pull out a hunk of junk.

The New York Times

Now, two decades on, the whole city is in the know: that hunk of junk is about to become a park.

The Guardian - Travel

Israel Joffe, 20, a student at Adelphi University who lives in Lawrence on Long Island, said that when he encountered traffic while driving his "hunk of junk" 1997 Saturn, he became maniacal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But some people were so anxious to be rid of their hunks of junk that dealers had to inspect both cars and paperwork carefully.

The New York Times

Lacking another Wii controller-style moment of genius, consoles have diverged in 100 different directions from video to social networking, browsing the Internet or instant messaging, and so have become crufty and expensive hunks of junk.

TechCrunch

The $125 million craft missed its orbit and became another hunk of space junk, currently orbiting the sun.

Huffington Post

South Korea's spy agency reportedly thinks it's just a hunk of space junk that serves no real purpose.

Vice

North Korea launched a long-range rocket on Sunday that carried into orbit what it called a satellite, but what is suspected of being a hunk of space junk that Pyongyang used to justify a test of banned ballistic missile technology.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunk of junk" when you want to describe something as being in poor condition, unreliable, or generally worthless in a lighthearted or humorous way. This phrase is suitable for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hunk of junk" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more appropriate terms like "unreliable equipment" or "obsolete technology" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunk of junk" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptive term. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is often used to describe something that is old and now relatively useless, in a humorous or lighthearted way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunk of junk" is a common and informal phrase used to describe something that is old, unreliable, or in poor condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, and less appropriate for formal or professional settings. Related phrases include "piece of trash" and "pile of rubbish". When writing, avoid overusing this phrase in formal contexts and opt for more suitable alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Piece of trash

Refers to something worthless and disposable.

Pile of rubbish

Emphasizes the disorganized and worthless nature of something.

Worthless object

A more formal way to describe something of no value.

Load of garbage

Similar to "pile of rubbish", but slightly more emphatic.

Useless item

Focuses on the lack of functionality or purpose.

Clunker

Specifically refers to an old, unreliable vehicle or machine.

Lemon

Specifically refers to a defective product, often a car.

White elephant

Refers to a possession that is more trouble than it's worth.

Old banger

British slang for an old, unreliable car.

Wreck

Implies a state of severe damage or disrepair.

FAQs

What does "hunk of junk" mean?

The phrase "hunk of junk" refers to something that is old, dilapidated, and generally considered worthless or unreliable.

How can I use "hunk of junk" in a sentence?

You can use "hunk of junk" to describe various objects. For example: "My car is a real "hunk of junk"; it barely runs anymore."

What are some alternatives to saying "hunk of junk"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "piece of trash", "pile of rubbish", or "worthless object" instead of "hunk of junk".

Is it appropriate to use "hunk of junk" in formal writing?

No, "hunk of junk" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal writing, it's best to use more professional terms such as "obsolete equipment" or "unreliable machinery".