English Reference
adjective

hung

adj.
US /ˈhəŋ/ UK /hˈʌŋ/ hung

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    describes a group, like a jury or a parliament, that cannot make a final decision because they do not agree.

    describing a deliberative body, such as a jury or legislature, that is unable to reach a necessary majority or unanimous verdict.

    Simple

    The trial ended with a hung jury, so the case will be heard again.

    In context

    The recent election resulted in a hung parliament, forcing the two largest parties to negotiate a coalition agreement.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the fixed phrases 'hung jury' and 'hung parliament'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalTechnical Computing

    describes a computer or phone that has stopped responding and will not work.

    referring to a computer system or software application that has ceased to respond to user input while remaining powered on.

    Simple

    My laptop is hung on the loading screen and I cannot move the mouse.

    In context

    The server became hung after the memory leak exhausted all available resources, necessitating a hard reboot.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'frozen' is more common in everyday speech, 'hung' is frequently used by IT professionals and developers.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency SlangVulgar

    a slang term used to describe a man with a large penis.

    a colloquial and often vulgar reference to male genital size.

    Simple

    He made a crude joke about being well hung.

    In context

    The locker room banter included several vulgar remarks about which athletes were considered well hung.

    Usage

    Almost always preceded by the adverb 'well'.

Don't confuse

Hung vs hang — Hung is the standard past tense for objects, while hanged is reserved for execution by a noose.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated