Punk: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค˜
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punk

 

[ pสŒล‹k ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

music subculture

A punk is a person who is part of a subculture associated with punk rock music and characterized by a rebellious attitude, DIY ethos, and distinctive fashion style.

Synonyms

anarchist, nonconformist, rebel.

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Word Description / Examples
punk

Used to describe a person, often young, who rejects societal norms and has a distinctive, rebellious style. Sometimes carries a negative connotation, implying reckless or anti-social behavior.

  • That punk dyed his hair bright blue.
  • The park was filled with punks listening to loud music.
rebel

Describes someone who resists authority, control, or tradition. Can be used positively to depict bravery or negatively to suggest a troublemaker.

  • The young rebel refused to follow the outdated school rules.
  • He was seen as a rebel for fighting against injustice.
nonconformist

Describes a person who does not conform to prevailing social norms or standards. Typically has a neutral or positive connotation, emphasizing individuality and independence.

  • Sheโ€™s always been a nonconformist, wearing what she likes regardless of fashion trends.
  • As a nonconformist, he often challenges conventional thinking.
anarchist

Refers to someone who believes in a society without government or laws. Often used in political contexts to describe individuals who oppose all forms of authoritative control.

  • The anarchist group organized a protest against the new law.
  • He identifies as an anarchist, believing in a stateless society.

Examples of usage

  • Punks often have brightly colored hair and wear leather jackets and studded accessories.
  • She embraced the punk lifestyle by attending underground concerts and protesting social injustices.
  • The punk movement emerged in the 1970s as a response to the mainstream music industry and social norms.
  • Many punks express their anti-establishment beliefs through music, art, and activism.
  • Punk culture values individuality, creativity, and nonconformity.
Context #2 | Noun

prankster

A punk can also refer to a mischievous or deceitful person who plays pranks or tricks on others for amusement.

Synonyms

joker, mischief-maker, trickster.

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Word Description / Examples
punk

Typically used to describe a young person, often a teenager, who behaves in a disrespectful or rebellious manner. It can also refer to someone involved in punk rock culture.

  • He was just a punk who loved to defy authority
  • The punk band played loudly in the underground club
trickster

Describes someone who likes to deceive or play tricks on others, often cleverly and with a sense of fun. This word can also be used in mythology and folklore.

  • The trickster in the story outsmarted everyone with his clever schemes
  • Be careful with Jake; he's a bit of a trickster when it comes to games
joker

Refers to someone who enjoys making jokes and being humorous. It can sometimes imply that the person is not taken seriously.

  • Tom is the joker of the group, always making everyone laugh
  • Don't mind his comments; he's just a joker
mischief-maker

Used to describe a person who enjoys causing trouble or minor disruptions, often playfully. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • The little boy was a mischief-maker, always hiding his sister's toys
  • She got blamed for being a mischief-maker when she played pranks on her friends

Examples of usage

  • He's a known punk who enjoys pulling practical jokes on his friends.
  • Don't trust him, he's always been a bit of a punk when it comes to pranks.
Context #3 | Verb

harm or damage

To punk someone means to harm, deceive, or play a trick on them, often in a playful or teasing manner.

Synonyms

deceive, hoax, trick.

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Word Description / Examples
punk

Typically used to describe a young person, especially a troublemaker or someone who engages in rebellious behavior. Also, 'punk' is a genre of music known for its rebellious and countercultural themes.

  • The kid running around the neighborhood pranking everyone is such a punk.
  • She loves listening to punk music because of its raw energy and rebellious lyrics.
trick

This word is generally used for any action meant to deceive or outsmart someone. Can be lighthearted or malicious depending on context.

  • He played a trick on his friend by hiding his car keys.
  • Magicians often perform tricks that leave the audience in awe.
deceive

Used when someone is intentionally misleading or lying to another person. It has a formal tone and often carries a negative connotation.

  • He tried to deceive his friends by telling them he was rich, but they soon discovered the truth.
  • It is wrong to deceive someone for personal gain.
hoax

A hoax refers to a deliberate trick or deception, often a large-scale prank or false claim meant to fool a large number of people.

  • The news about the alien invasion turned out to be a hoax.
  • They pulled off an elaborate hoax by pretending there was a ghost in the house.

Examples of usage

  • They punked him by pretending to forget his birthday and then surprising him with a party.
  • Don't try to punk me with your fake stories, I know the truth.

Translations

Translations of the word "punk" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น punk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเค‚เค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Punk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ punk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐะฝะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ punk

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‘ใƒณใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท punk

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ punk

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท punk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŽ‘ํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจู†ูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ punk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ punk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœ‹ๅ…‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ punk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ pรถnk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐะฝะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒแƒœแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ punk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ punk

Etymology

The term 'punk' originated in the mid-16th century as a derogatory term for a prostitute or a young criminal. By the 1970s, it had evolved to describe a rebellious subculture associated with punk rock music. Punk culture emerged as a response to mainstream music and social norms, emphasizing individuality, DIY ethos, and anti-establishment beliefs. The punk movement had a significant impact on music, fashion, and activism, influencing generations of artists and rebels.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,940, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.