Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

tree hugger

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.49 in modern English

Syllables
tree hug-ger
IPA
15
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A hippie.

Slang

Example Sentences

Etymology

From tree + hugger. Popularized after the Chipko movement in India of the 1970s, who resorted to actual group hugging of trees in order to prevent deforestation. Tommy James claims that his song "Draggin' the Line" (1971) popularized the phrase.

Usage

Inflected Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Questions

What does tree hugger mean?
An environmental campaigner, especially one who aims to restrict logging and especially one who uses dramatic, attention-grabbing methods of obstruction.
Where does tree hugger come from?
From tree + hugger. Popularized after the Chipko movement in India of the 1970s, who resorted to actual group hugging of trees in order to prevent deforestation. Tommy James claims that his song "Draggin' the Line" (1971) popularized the phrase.

How to pronounce tree hugger

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “tree hugger”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “tree hugger”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “tree hugger” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.