pokey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pokey" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is slow or sluggish, often in reference to a person, vehicle, or process. Example: "The old car was so pokey that it took forever to reach the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rest of the tabloids piled in, working up the sort of moral panic they do so well.I met them in a pokey, fetid apartment in New York's West Village.

The Economist

An entire genre of television reality shows has grown up to supply ideas for turning that pokey back room into a place of cherry wood cabinets, polished granite and brushed aluminium.The elevation of the room that once belonged only to the servants to that of design showcase for the modern family tells the story of a century of social change.

The Economist

All they can hold is so-called "pencil buildings"—ten-storey structures with just a handful of pokey rooms per floor.

The Economist

Waterstone's poses a particular threat to traditional, pokey bookshops cutting a dash with its fashionable black-ash shelving and bright red carpets.

The Economist

Its V6 is a smooth and pokey motor in fact, though thirsty and a little too powerful for the chassis.

Independent

Rather than settle for a pokey new-build in the suburbs, the couple decamp to a glamorous retirement home in India, accompanied by five more of Britain's greatest Actors Of A Certain Age: Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson OBE, Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie.

Independent

It comes complete with a comfy double bed, plenty of storage space, a good-sized fridge, a grill, a sink and two gas hobs, which meant I'd be able to offer her more comfort than my pokey flat, an ice-cold gin and tonic before a proper evening meal and a cup of tea and bacon bap in the morning.

Independent

The first time I met him was in the group's then-HQ, a pokey office in Finsbury Square.

Independent

The characters live in pokey flats up flights and flights of stairs and eat ready-meals out of Tupperware tubs.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The entertainment was provided by Les Cadets de Bourgogne, and consisted of a dozen old men singing an oompah-pah song every ten or fifteen minutes, which sounded like a French interpretation of the hokey-pokey.

The New Yorker

They became theatrical producers and made solo stage appearances until 1912, when they were briefly reunited to produce Hokey-Pokey at the Broadway Music Hall, which Weber had continued to manage; and in 1918 in Philadelphia in Back Again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a space, use "pokey" to add a touch of informal color to the description, suggesting it's not just small, but also perhaps a bit unpleasant or inconvenient.

Common error

While "pokey" can add character, it's best reserved for informal writing or when a slightly negative or humorous tone is appropriate. In formal contexts, opt for more neutral terms like "small", "cramped", or "confined".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pokey" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe either a small, cramped space or something slow. Examples from Ludwig show it describing "pokey rooms", "pokey flats", and "pokey buses". Ludwig AI says that "pokey" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "pokey" is primarily used as an adjective to describe something small or slow, often with a slightly negative or informal tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct term in English, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid "pokey" in highly formal writing, opting instead for more neutral synonyms like "cramped" or "sluggish". The numerous examples found in the provided sources highlight its common use in describing spaces, vehicles, and even the pace of activities. The word also has an informal use to describe a jail, although that is less common than its adjectival use. Therefore, while "pokey" is frequently used, it is key to consider the specific setting and audience to assure your word choice is aligned with the intended register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slow

Refers to a reduced speed or pace, similar to one sense of "pokey".

sluggish

Implies a lack of energy or dynamism, akin to the slow aspect of "pokey".

cramped

Denotes a confined space, matching the 'small volume' definition of "pokey".

confined

Highlights the restrictive nature of a space, like a "pokey" room.

small

A general term for limited size, overlapping with one meaning of "pokey".

tiny

Emphasizes extreme smallness, relating to the limited space implied by "pokey".

lethargic

Describes a state of slowness and inactivity, similar to "pokey" when referring to pace.

snail-paced

Evokes a very slow speed, comparable to the 'slow' meaning of "pokey".

restricted

Emphasizes limitation in space or movement, relating to the cramped sense of "pokey".

compact

Suggests efficient use of limited space, relevant to the 'small volume' aspect of "pokey".

FAQs

How can I use "pokey" in a sentence?

"Pokey" can describe a small or cramped space, as in "a pokey apartment", or it can describe something slow, as in "a pokey bus". The Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

What can I say instead of "pokey"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "small", "cramped", "slow", or "sluggish".

Which is correct, "pokey" or "poky"?

Both "pokey" and "poky" can function as adjectives, but "pokey" is the more common spelling. "Poky" is also listed as a synonym, but is less prevalent in modern usage.

Can "pokey" refer to a prison?

Yes, "pokey" is an informal term for a prison or jail, similar to "clink" or "slammer". This usage is less common than its use as an adjective.