The phrase “holed up” generally refers to someone staying in a hidden or confined place, often for protection, privacy, or safety. The term is commonly used in English to describe someone who is isolating themselves or taking refuge, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Origins of the Phrase:
The phrase likely derives from the concept of a “hole” as a place of hiding, much like how animals burrow into holes for safety. According to Merriam-Webster, “hole up” means “to hide out or take refuge,” especially in a secluded or isolated spot. It has been in usage since at least the late 19th century, often evoking imagery of people or animals retreating from danger.
Everyday Usage:
In everyday speech, “holed up” can describe anything from someone spending the weekend indoors to more serious situations like fugitives hiding from law enforcement. Context determines its tone—ranging from cozy retreat to desperate isolation.
How Does NYT Use the Phrase “Holed Up”?
The New York Times (NYT), one of the most respected news outlets globally, often uses “holed up” in headlines and articles to describe scenarios involving isolation, hiding, or temporary confinement. Its use spans multiple categories: crime reports, political analysis, lifestyle pieces, and natural disaster coverage.
Common Contexts in NYT:
- Crime Reports: Describing fugitives avoiding capture (e.g., “Suspect Holed Up in Apartment for 10 Hours”).
- Politics: Referring to politicians avoiding public appearances (e.g., “Senator Holed Up During Budget Talks”).
- Weather Events: Used during hurricanes or snowstorms (e.g., “Residents Holed Up During Blizzard”).
- Health Crises: Popular during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., “Families Holed Up at Home”).
The NYT’s use of the term adds immediacy and emotional weight to the story, enhancing reader engagement.
Why Do Journalists Use “Holed Up” Often?
Language in journalism isn’t just about conveying facts; it’s also about capturing attention. “Holed up” is vivid, emotional, and accessible, making it a preferred term for writers.
Key Reasons:
- Imagery: The phrase instantly creates a mental picture.
- Emotional Appeal: Suggests vulnerability, fear, or resistance.
- Simplicity: It’s easy to understand, even for readers with limited English proficiency.
In journalism, word choice can make or break a story’s reach. According to the Poynter Institute, vivid and relatable language improves reader retention and article sharing. “Holed up” achieves this without being overly dramatic or sensationalist.
When Is “Holed Up” Used in News Stories?
The phrase appears across various types of news, from local incidents to global crises. Its use spans across multiple domains, each carrying different emotional weights and implications.
Common Scenarios:
- Criminal Activity: Describing standoffs or hideouts.
- Natural Disasters: Individuals or communities waiting out hurricanes, blizzards.
- Public Health Emergencies: Quarantines during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mental Health: Describing those isolating due to psychological distress.
Example Table: Contextual Uses of “Holed Up”
| Context | Example Usage | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Crime | “Suspect holed up in motel room” | Hiding from law enforcement |
| Weather Event | “Residents holed up during hurricane” | Seeking safety |
| Politics | “Governor holed up with advisors” | Strategic decision-making |
| Health Crisis | “Patients holed up at home” | Quarantine or isolation |
Is “Holed Up” Always Negative?
Not necessarily. While often associated with danger or evasion, “holed up” can also describe neutral or even positive situations. For example, a writer might be “holed up in a cabin to finish a novel,” or students may be “holed up in their dorms studying.”
Nuanced Meanings:
- Positive: Creative or productive isolation
- Neutral: Temporary seclusion
- Negative: Involuntary hiding due to danger or stress
The key is context. A phrase like “holed up in a luxury mountain lodge” paints a very different picture than “holed up in a basement during a storm.”
How Does “Holed Up” Compare to Similar Phrases?
The English language offers multiple alternatives to “holed up,” each with its own nuance. Understanding these helps clarify why journalists might prefer one term over another.
Phrase Comparisons:
- Hiding Out: More secretive, often with criminal undertones
- Sheltering in Place: Formal, often used by authorities
- Laying Low: Suggests intentional avoidance of attention
“Holed up” is unique in its blend of simplicity, relatability, and emotional punch. According to the Associated Press Stylebook, clarity and immediacy are crucial in journalistic writing, and “holed up” checks both boxes.
Can “Holed Up” Be Misleading in Journalism?
Yes, especially if used without proper context. While the phrase is powerful, it can also dramatize or oversimplify a situation, leading to misunderstandings.
Risks of Misuse:
- Sensationalism: May exaggerate the urgency or threat.
- Ambiguity: Lacks precision without context.
- Bias: Can shape reader perception unfairly.
Responsible journalism, as outlined by the Ethical Journalism Network, calls for accurate and context-aware language. Overuse of terms like “holed up” can lead to reader fatigue or misinterpretation.
What Are Famous NYT Articles Using “Holed Up”?
A quick review of NYT archives shows the term is employed in various high-profile stories. These include:
- Crime Reports: Coverage of armed standoffs and fugitives.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Stories about families isolating at home.
- Weather Coverage: Articles about people enduring extreme storms.
Real Example:
In a 2020 article during the height of the pandemic, the NYT wrote: “As families holed up at home, kitchens became classrooms, offices, and therapy rooms.” This encapsulated the emotional and physical upheaval many experienced.
Such uses show how the phrase contributes to storytelling, framing complex experiences in relatable terms.
How Has the Phrase Evolved in Media Over Time?
“Holed up” has seen a shift in tone and frequency. Initially tied to criminal or military contexts, its use has expanded to everyday life.
Evolution of Use:
- Early 20th Century: Primarily used in war and crime contexts.
- Mid to Late 20th Century: Found in broader reporting, including politics and disasters.
- 21st Century: Popular in lifestyle and health journalism.
Digital journalism and 24/7 news cycles have made concise, punchy phrases like “holed up” more valuable. As shown by a Columbia Journalism Review analysis, brevity and emotional clarity are increasingly favored in digital headlines.
What Can We Learn from This Phrase’s Popularity?
The popularity of “holed up” in journalism underscores the importance of emotional connection, clarity, and vivid storytelling in media. It’s a testament to how a single phrase can encapsulate complex human experiences.
Takeaways:
- Language Shapes Perception: Words like “holed up” influence how readers interpret events.
- Context Is Critical: Same phrase, different impact depending on usage.
- Media Responsibility: Journalists must balance clarity with accuracy.
In summary, “holed up” is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a linguistic tool that, when used wisely, enhances storytelling and connects readers with the human side of news.
Sources:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- Poynter Institute
- Associated Press Stylebook
- Ethical Journalism Network
- Columbia Journalism Review
