Gonk

/ɡɑŋk/ verb

Definition

British slang meaning to fall asleep suddenly or to sleep for a very long time.

Etymology

British military slang from the 1950s, possibly related to the Cornish word 'gonk' (to sleep), though origins are somewhat uncertain.

Kelly Says

Military slang from pilots and soldiers ended up in dictionaries—'gonk' is proof that slang from specific groups (like RAF pilots) can spread nationwide and become legitimate.

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