Hackney is a breed of elegant horse known for its high-stepping trot and proud carriage. When a hackney moves, it lifts its knees unusually high with each step, creating a flashy, eye-catching gait that makes the horse look like it's prancing. Hackneys were bred in England centuries ago as reliable riding and carriage horses that could trot smoothly for long distances.

The word also became a term for horses kept for hire, especially in cities. Before cars existed, you could rent a hackney horse or hackney carriage to get around London or other cities, much like hailing a taxi today. This is why London's famous black taxis are still officially called hackney carriages.

As a verb, hackney means to make something common or worn-out through overuse. A hackneyed phrase is one that's been repeated so many times it's lost its freshness and impact. Saying “it's always darkest before the dawn” or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” might sound hackneyed because people use these expressions constantly. What was once clever or meaningful becomes dull and predictable through endless repetition.