Conk

/kɑːŋk/ verb

Definition

To hit someone on the head, or for an engine to stop working suddenly (as in 'conk out').

Etymology

Possibly from 'conch' (the shell) used metaphorically for hitting on the head like a shell. May also relate to Afrikaans 'konk.' The origin is somewhat uncertain but likely imitative.

Kelly Says

'Conk out' became really popular during World War I when engines would fail—soldiers described their engines stopping with this onomatopoetic word that sounds almost like an engine failing!

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