conk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 (low-frequency, mostly informal/slang)Informal, slang. The "stop working" sense (machine, engine) is informal. The "hit on the head" sense and "nose" sense are slang/humorous. The hairstyle sense is dated but specific to cultural/ historical context.
Quick answer
What does “conk” mean?
To hit someone on the head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hit someone on the head.
To hit something; to stop working or break down (informal); a nose (slang, often humorous); a hairstyle for tightly curled hair that is straightened and styled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'hairstyle' sense is primarily American, relating to a specific mid-20th century African-American cultural practice. The 'break down' sense (e.g., 'the car conked out') is common in both, but perhaps slightly more prevalent in AmE. The slang 'nose' sense is understood in both but feels dated.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries a informal, slightly cartoonish or old-fashioned flavour. In AmE, 'the conk' hairstyle has specific historical and cultural connotations related to African-American identity in the 1940s-1960s.
Frequency
Overall low frequency in both. The 'break down' phrasal verb 'conk out' is the most likely contemporary usage in general informal contexts for both BrE and AmE speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “conk” in a Sentence
[VN] conk sb (on the head)[V] (of a machine) conk (out)[VN-ADJ] conk one's hair straightVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old generator conked out during the storm.
- I'll conk you with this spoon if you don't stop!
American English
- My laptop conked out right before the deadline.
- The cartoon character got conked on the head by a mallet.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- (Rare as adjective) He had a conk-straightening kit.
- N/A
American English
- (Rare as adjective) The conk hairstyle required chemical straighteners.
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical/cultural studies discussing the 'conk' hairstyle.
Everyday
Informal: 'My phone conked out.' / 'He conked me on the head with a newspaper.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conk”
- Using 'conk' in formal writing.
- Using 'conk' as a direct synonym for 'hit' in all contexts (it's specific to the head).
- Misinterpreting 'conk out' as meaning 'to leave' instead of 'to fail/fall asleep'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently rude, but it is informal slang. Calling someone's nose a 'conk' could be seen as impolite or humorous, depending on context.
'Conk out' is more informal and often suggests a sudden, final failure, sometimes accompanied by a noise. 'Break down' is more general and neutral.
Almost never. It should be avoided in academic, business, or official documents. Use synonyms like 'fail', 'stop working', or 'hit' instead.
It comes from 'conk' as a slang term for head, which was itself likely derived from 'conch' (the shell, perhaps resembling a head shape). It refers specifically to a chemically straightened hairstyle popular among some African-American men in the mid-20th century.
To hit someone on the head.
Conk: in British English it is pronounced /kɒŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “conk out (to fall asleep suddenly or to stop functioning)”
- “conk someone on the noggin (humorous)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONCrete block falling and going 'CONK!' on your head, making you stop thinking (break down).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND/BODY IS A MACHINE (conk out); THE HEAD IS A SOLID OBJECT (to conk).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'conk' used to refer to a hairstyle?