Plural of knockout: decisive blows in boxing that render an opponent unconscious, or informally, extremely attractive people.
Compound of 'knock' and 'out,' first used in boxing in the 1850s to describe a blow that renders an opponent unconscious. The slang meaning of 'extremely attractive person' emerged in the early 20th century, using the metaphor of being so stunning as to 'knock someone out.'
The boxing term 'knockout' created one of our most enduring metaphors for overwhelming impact - we use it for everything from stunning beauty to devastating arguments to incredible performances. The idea that something can hit you so hard it renders you senseless translates perfectly to non-violent contexts.
As slang for 'attractive women,' 'knockout' reduces women to physical appearance and implicit sexual desirability. Emerged mid-20th century in objectifying contexts.
Use 'stunning person' or 'striking appearance' if describing looks neutrally; avoid as gendered reduction to attractiveness.
["striking person","impressive achievement"]
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