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Conk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conk

[kɔŋk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

slang term

Conk refers to a person's head, especially in a casual or humorous context. It is often used in informal conversation.

Synonyms

dome, head, noggin.

Examples of usage

  • He bumped his conk on the door frame.
  • Watch out for my conk; it's sensitive.
  • She knocked her conk when she fell.
  • Don't mess with my conk, it's already sore.
Context #2 | Verb

casual action

To conk means to hit someone or something on the head. This term is often used to describe a playful or accidental striking.

Synonyms

hit, knock, strike.

Examples of usage

  • He conked him on the head with a pillow.
  • She conked the table with her elbow.
  • I accidentally conked my friend during the game.
  • Don't conk the dog; he didn't mean to get in your way.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the movie 'Home Alone', the character Kevin famously uses a toy that makes a 'conk' sound to prank his enemies.
  • The phrase 'conk out' has been popularized in various TV shows and movies to depict something breaking down unexpectedly.
  • The term 'conk' has appeared in various music lyrics, often as a humorous reference to someone getting knocked out.

Science

  • Hitting the head can lead to concussion, which shows a strong link to brain injury caused by a blow.
  • Studies show that repeated impacts on the head can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes.
  • The human skull protects the brain, but strong enough force from 'conking' can still result in injury.

Psychology

  • Physical impacts to the head can cause a range of emotional responses, including confusion or aggression.
  • People often use humor or wordplay, like 'conk', to cope with situations involving injury or embarrassment.
  • The idea of 'getting conked' can lead to feelings of vulnerability, particularly in social situations.

Origin of 'conk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'conk' is believed to originate from the 1920s and is thought to be derived from the word 'concussion'.
  • In some contexts, it has roots in Caribbean slang, where it may refer to a style of hair straightening.
  • Interestingly, 'conk' is related to the word 'conk out', which means to stop working suddenly, especially for machinery.

The origin of the word 'conk' is believed to be derived from the late 19th century American slang, where it was used in various contexts. The term likely comes from the imitation of sounds associated with hitting or striking something, as well as its playful nature. Over time, conk evolved to describe not only the act of hitting but also became a colloquial term for the head itself, particularly in informal or humorous contexts. The usage of 'conk' in different regions and cultures has further contributed to its varied meanings, making it a versatile and somewhat whimsical addition to the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,090, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.