At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
Word page
Conk
Conk is a compact slangy English word that usually means to hit someone on the head or nose, or for a machine to stop working without ceremony.
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
You can conk someone on the head, or an engine can conk out. The word is informal and strongly associated with comic impact or sudden failure.
Why this word feels absurd
Conk feels absurd because it sounds exactly like a cartoon knock or a machine giving up mid-journey. It is blunt, physical, and slightly ridiculous.
Origin and history
Conk has circulated in colloquial English for generations. Like many slang words for impact and malfunction, its endurance comes from expressive sound rather than polished origin stories.
Is this word still used today?
Yes. Conk is still common in phrases like conk out, especially in informal British and American English. It works well in dialogue, humor, and accessible explanatory writing.
Example sentences
- He conked his head on the low doorway.
- My laptop chose that moment to conk out.
- The old car conked out halfway up the hill.
- She threatened to conk him with the newspaper.
When should you use this word?
Use conk in informal writing when you want a more vivid alternative to hit, stop, or fail.
Similar words
Bonk, Bash, Stop, Fail, Collapse
Opposite or contrasting words
Start, Revive, Repair
Common questions
- What does conk mean? To hit on the head or nose; to stop working suddenly.
- How do you pronounce conk? It is commonly pronounced KONK.
- Is conk still used today? Yes. Conk is still common in phrases like conk out, especially in informal British and American English. It works well in dialogue, humor, and accessible explanatory writing.
- What part of speech is conk? It is usually used as a verb / noun.
- What words are similar to conk? Bonk, bash, stop, fail.