prang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “prang” mean?
A crash or collision, especially involving an aircraft or vehicle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crash or collision, especially involving an aircraft or vehicle.
To damage, wreck, or crash something; also used informally to mean experiencing a strong emotional or psychedelic experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Prang' is predominantly British/Australian slang. In American English, it is very rare and would likely be unfamiliar to most speakers.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a slightly humorous, informal, or euphemistic tone, sometimes downplaying the seriousness of a crash. In American English, if used, it might be perceived as a Briticism.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially related to driving/motoring. Virtually absent in everyday American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “prang” in a Sentence
[Subject] prang [Object] (transitive)[Subject] prang (intransitive)[Subject] have a prangVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm afraid I've pranged the hire car.
- He pranged his motorbike on the roundabout.
American English
- (Rare) He said he 'pranged' his dad's car, using the British term he'd picked up online.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- The car was pranged but still drivable.
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal talk about minor vehicle accidents. 'Sorry love, had a bit of a prang on the way home.'
Technical
Historical informal use in Royal Air Force slang for an aircraft crash.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prang”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe a serious, fatal crash.
- Americans using it unironically.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly informal slang.
It's most natural for vehicle or aircraft collisions. Using it for, say, a slip and fall would sound odd.
It originated as RAF (Royal Air Force) slang during WWII, likely imitative of the sound of an explosion or impact.
Most would not, unless familiar with British culture. They would use 'crash', 'wreck', or 'fender-bender'.
A crash or collision, especially involving an aircraft or vehicle.
Prang: in British English it is pronounced /præŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /præŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bit of a prang”
- “Prang it up (dated, psychedelic slang)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'PRANG' – it mimics the metallic crash or clang of a collision.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPACT IS A LOUD SOUND (onomatopoeic).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'prang' most commonly used?