A curved or bent fastening device, or something that catches and holds attention or interest.
From Old English 'hoc', related to Dutch 'hoek' and German 'Haken'. The metaphorical sense of 'catching' someone's attention developed in the 19th century, likely influenced by fishing terminology.
The phrase 'hook, line, and sinker' comes from fishing but became a metaphor for being completely deceived - if you swallow all three parts of the fishing tackle, you've been thoroughly fooled. In music, a 'hook' is the catchy part that 'hooks' listeners and keeps songs in their heads.
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