English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
HORN or HONK?
Horn is a device on a vehicle that is used to make a loud noise as a warning or signal to other people. Note that it should not be used as a verb:
The driver ~horned~ and everyone left the spot (nonstandard).
The driver blew/sounded her horn and everyone left the spot (standard).
Honk: Honk is a verb. If you honk the horn of a vehicle or if the horn honks, you make the horn produce a short loud sound.
Drivers honked their horns in solidarity with the peace marchers.
Dr GAB
