hip

The hip, in anatomical terms, refers to the region at the junction of the torso and leg, and in a clinical sense to the hip joint itself. The hip joint is the acetabulofemoral joint, a ball-and-socket articulation between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvic bone. The hip bone is formed by three fused pelvic bones—the ilium, ischium, and pubis—that meet at the acetabulum. Stability is provided by the fibrous joint capsule and ligaments, including the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments, as well as the round ligament of the femur. The joint is surrounded by a strong network of muscles, notably the gluteals, hip flexors such as the iliopsoas, adductors, and abductors, and it permits a wide range of motion.

Movements include flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, and internal and external rotation. The hip bears most of the body’s weight during standing and walking, enabling transmission of forces from the spine to the legs. Common conditions affecting the hip are osteoarthritis, fractures (notably hip or femoral neck fractures), labral tears, tendinopathies, and bursitis, as well as congenital disorders such as dysplasia. Treatments vary from physical therapy and analgesics to injections and, for advanced disease or injury, surgery such as total hip replacement.

The term hip also has a broader cultural meaning in English, referring to being fashionable, trendy, or in the know. This sense emerged in the early 20th century in American slang, with roots in African American communities and jazz culture; the exact origins are debated. In modern usage, “hip” describes style, attitudes, or music considered current or cool, though the term can be subjective.