Utilizing a pawnshop, or hocking, is a way to obtain quick cash by trading in items of value. It involves taking an item of personal property to a pawnbroker and receiving a loan in exchange for the item. The loan is usually a fraction of the item's value and is typically repaid within a certain period of time. If the loan is not repaid, the pawnbroker keeps the item. Hocking is a common practice for those who need money quickly and have items of value that they are willing to part with temporarily.