The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STUDS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
T
U
D
S
More clues leading to the result STUDS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "hunks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hunks = studs.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STUDS mean?
STUDS noun- A male animal, especially a stud horse (stallion), kept for breeding.
- A female animal, especially a studmare (broodmare), kept for breeding.
- (also by extension) A group of such animals.
- An animal (usually livestock) that has been registered and is retained for breeding.
- A place, such as a ranch, where such animals are kept.
- A sexually attractive male; also a lover in great demand.
- A small object that protrudes from something; an ornamental knob.
- (jewelry) A small round earring.
- A vertical post, especially one of the small uprights in the framing for lath and plaster partitions, and furring, and upon which the laths are nailed.
- A stem; a trunk.
- A type of poker where an individual cannot throw cards away and some of her cards are exposed (also stud poker).
- A short rod or pin, fixed in and projecting from something, and sometimes forming a journal.
- A stud bolt.
- An iron brace across the shorter diameter of the link of a chain cable.
- A person who studies or learns about a particular subject.
- A person who is formally enrolled at a school, a college or university, or another educational institution.
- A pair of shoes or boots which have studs on the bottom to aid grip.
- Tires/tyres with metal protrusions used for improved traction on snow and ice in winter.