brik: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “brik” mean?
A small, hard rectangular block used in building, typically made of fired or sun-dried clay.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, hard rectangular block used in building, typically made of fired or sun-dried clay.
1) A toy block shaped like this. 2) A small electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) rendered permanently unusable. 3) (slang) Something resembling a brick in shape, size, or solidity (e.g., a large book). 4) (verb, informal) To cause an electronic device to become unusable. 5) (British informal, with 'drop') To urinate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'to brick' (electronics) is common in both. The phrase 'to drop a brick' (UK) means to make a tactless or embarrassing remark; this idiom is rare in AmE. 'Brick' as slang for a large, heavy book is slightly more common in AmE.
Connotations
Both share connotations of solidity, weight, and durability. In UK slang, 'bricking it' means being very frightened.
Frequency
Core building material meaning is equally frequent. The 'bricking it' (frightened) slang is almost exclusively UK.
Grammar
How to Use “brik” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] + brick + [OBJ] (electronics)[SUBJ] + be + made of brick[SUBJ] + hit + [OBJ] + like a ton of bricksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brik” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I accidentally bricked my console during the update.
- Don't install that software, you might brick it.
American English
- The failed firmware flash bricked the router.
- He's worried he'll brick his phone trying to jailbreak it.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They live in a lovely red-brick Victorian terrace.
- It's a traditional brick-built factory.
American English
- They live in a nice brick-front colonial house.
- It's an old brick-constructed warehouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to physical retail stores ('brick-and-mortar business') as opposed to online.
Academic
In architecture, engineering, or history (e.g., 'Roman brick construction').
Everyday
Discussing buildings, DIY projects, or describing a broken phone.
Technical
In electronics/software, describing a device rendered inoperable due to failed firmware.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brik”
- Using uncountable: *'The house is made of brick' is correct, but *'I need some brick' is wrong for individual blocks; use 'I need some bricks/a brick'.
- Confusing 'brick' (n) with 'brick' (v) in electronics context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the material as a substance, not individual blocks. E.g., 'The chimney is made of brick.'
It is British slang meaning to be extremely nervous or frightened. E.g., 'Before the interview, I was absolutely bricking it.'
Yes, it can imply reliability and solidity. Calling someone 'a brick' means they are dependable and helpful in a crisis.
Typically, bricks are smaller, made of clay and fired in a kiln. Blocks (like cinder blocks or concrete blocks) are larger and often made of concrete. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in non-technical contexts.
A small, hard rectangular block used in building, typically made of fired or sun-dried clay.
Brik is usually informal, neutral in register.
Brik: in British English it is pronounced /brɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like talking to a brick wall”
- “hit someone like a ton of bricks”
- “bricks and mortar”
- “drop a brick (UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BRICK is a BR-oad, thICK block for building.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUPIDITY/UNRESPONSIVENESS IS A BRICK WALL (e.g., 'He's as thick as a brick'). SOLIDITY/HEAVINESS IS A BRICK (e.g., 'This book is a brick').
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does 'brick-and-mortar' primarily refer to?