hard word
/hɑːd ˈwəːd/noun
1A harsh or unkind word or (in early use) utterance; an insult; a reprimand. In later use only in plural: words indicative or expressive of hostility or dispute.
2A word which is difficult to understand or spell. In early use also: †a statement which is difficult to interpret (obsolete ).
3Originally Irish English; later also Australian. A hint, a tip-off; a piece of inside information; a password. Now rare (chiefly in historical contexts).
4 Australian and NZ informal. An importunate request, especially for money. Especially in to put the hard word on: to ask insistently for a favour or a loan; (sometimes) specifically to proposition sexually.
Origin
Middle English; earliest use found in Soul's Address to Body. From hard + word.
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