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Difference between Be hanged and Be hung

be hanged—be put to death by hanging:

  • Bentley’s appeal against his conviction was dismissed and he was hanged in Wandsworth prison.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be left hanging

1. (of people) be kept waiting for a decision or answer:

  • I was left hanging for three weeks before I got a call offering me the job.

2. (of a decision, answer, etc.) be delayed or not dealt with:

  • The result is an alienated monologue in which comments are left hanging without response.

be hung

1. (of paintings) be exhibited in a gallery, etc.:

  • The members of the Academy were granted the privilege of retouching their pictures after they were hung.

2. (sl.) feel annoyed:

  • Fred is hung and looking for somebody to take it out on.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be well-hung

1. (of meat or game) hung long enough to mature:

  • The grouse was well hung, and rare…. The meat had a clean taste set off by creamy avocado custard.

2. (in the phrase “one’s tongue is well hung”) one is able to speak with ease:

  • Her tongue was well hung; but she must answer the questions he asked, and say nothing more.

3. (coarse sl.) used of a man with large genitals:

  • For a boy of fifteen he was well-hung with a good crop of sandy pubic hair.

See also: be hung over / hang over.