glock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal; Technical (firearms context)
Quick answer
What does “glock” mean?
A type of semi-automatic pistol, originally designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Glock Ges.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of semi-automatic pistol, originally designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Glock Ges.m.b.H., characterized by its polymer frame and simplified design.
Informally used as a generic term for a handgun or pistol, often within certain subcultures and contexts (e.g., hip-hop music, urban vernacular). This is a trademark genericization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally recognized in both varieties due to its origin as an international brand. In informal extended usage, it is more frequently encountered in American English, particularly in media influenced by U.S. urban culture.
Connotations
In both: As a brand name, neutral/factual. In informal extended usage, can connote criminality or street violence. In the UK, the extended informal usage is heavily influenced by American media.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to broader cultural penetration of firearms terminology and hip-hop/urban vernacular. In British English, it is known but less common in everyday speech outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glock” in a Sentence
[Subject] + brandished/fired/pulled + [Determiner] + glock.[Determiner] + glock + was + found/seized/used.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Very rare, non-standard) The rapper claimed he would 'glock' anyone who disrespected him.
- (Non-standard) He was accused of threatening to glock his rival.
American English
- (Non-standard slang) In the song, he boasts about being ready to glock up if necessary.
- (Non-standard) They said they'd glock anyone who tried to enter.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- (Rare) The suspect had a glock-style pistol, not the genuine article.
- He was known for his glock collection.
American English
- He was carrying a Glock-compatible holster.
- The aftermarket glock parts were seized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in discussions of defense manufacturing or security equipment sales.
Academic
Rare. Found in criminology, sociology, or cultural studies papers analyzing media or subcultures.
Everyday
Uncommon in general polite conversation. Used in specific discussions about firearms, crime, or popular culture.
Technical
Common in firearms manuals, law enforcement, military, and shooting sports to refer specifically to that brand of pistol.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glock”
- Using 'Glock' uncapitalized in formal/brand contexts.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He glocked him').
- Misspelling as 'glok' or 'glocc'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a common noun, it is informal/slang. The formal term is 'Glock pistol' or simply 'pistol'. 'Glock' is formally a trademark.
Only if it is directly relevant, e.g., discussing the brand's impact, or analyzing its use in slang/culture. It should be clearly introduced and defined.
The difference reflects the general vowel variation between the LOT vowel (/ɒ/ in UK) and the PALM vowel (/ɑː/ in US) in words like 'lot', 'rock', and 'clock'.
It depends heavily on context. In technical or factual discussions (e.g., with law enforcement, sport shooters), it is neutral. In casual conversation, especially outside relevant contexts, it may be perceived as glorifying violence or making others uncomfortable due to its associations.
A type of semi-automatic pistol, originally designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Glock Ges.
Glock: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Glock and load' (a play on 'lock and load')”
- “'Talk is cheap, my Glock ain't' (lyrical trope)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound of a CLOCK ticking, but it starts with a 'GL' sound. A Glock is a weapon that can stop time for someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAPON IS A TOOL OF POWER/THREAT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the lowercase informal use of 'glock' MOST likely to be found?