cark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Obsolete (in original sense). Marginal (in Aus/NZ slang).Archaic (verb). Informal/Colloquial (Aus/NZ noun).
Quick answer
What does “cark” mean?
(verb, archaic/chiefly British) to burden, worry, or harass, causing anxiety or distress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(verb, archaic/chiefly British) to burden, worry, or harass, causing anxiety or distress.
In modern Australian/NZ slang (noun): a breakdown or mechanical failure in a vehicle; to be in a state of ruin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The original verb is known but considered archaic in both. The Aus/NZ slang 'cark it' is not standard in American English and is largely unfamiliar.
Connotations
In BrE, archaic/literary connotation if recognized. In Aus/NZ English, informal/humorous or dismissive when referring to death or breakdown.
Frequency
Near zero in AmE. Extremely rare in BrE. Modestly common in informal Aus/NZ contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cark” in a Sentence
[Subject] cark it.[Subject] carked.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- His constant fretting would cark him greatly, or so the old texts say.
- I think the washing machine has finally carked it.
American English
- (Not used in AmE. Archaic example:) 'Care that doth cark and kill.'
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard as adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as adjective.)
American English
- (Not standard as adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used except in historical linguistics.
Everyday
Only in specific informal Aus/NZ contexts: 'My phone finally carked it.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cark”
- Using 'cark' as a standalone verb in modern English outside of the idiom. Trying to use it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and archaic in its original sense. It is used only in the informal idiom 'cark it' in Australian and New Zealand English.
Not in modern English. Using it alone (e.g., 'It carked.') is understood only in the context of the full idiom 'cark it' in Aus/NZ English.
It comes from Middle English 'carken', from Old North French 'carquier', meaning to load or burden. It is related to the word 'charge'.
The idiom 'cark it' is informal and can be humorous or dismissive. It may be considered disrespectful when referring to a person's death in a serious context.
(verb, archaic/chiefly British) to burden, worry, or harass, causing anxiety or distress.
Cark is usually archaic (verb). informal/colloquial (aus/nz noun). in register.
Cark: in British English it is pronounced /kɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cark it”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAR breaking down (carking) in the Australian outback.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREAKDOWN IS DEATH (for 'cark it'). WORRY IS A BURDEN (archaic sense).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'cark it' mean in modern Australian English?